600 Moolms lose jobs in Solwezi again

Over 600 Zambian workers employed by Moolmans Mining Zambia Limited contracted by Barrick Lumwana Mine in Solwezi are to be laid off following the termination of the contract between the two firms.

Moolmans had their contrcat terminated by Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) on the Copperbelt and over 600 employees had again lost jobs.

The relocation of the company to Northwestern province had created hope on the mind of many.

Lumwana Mine and Moolman Mining Zambia have agreed to terminate their contract effective 26th April, 2013 .

In a joint statement released and made available to the Daily Nation, the two companies have pledged to, in recognition of their statutory and contractual obligations under take to fully honour the provisions of any existing contracts and fully adhere to all of the Zambian legal requirements.

The parties further undertake that negotiations in good faith with recognized trade unions has commenced with a view to concluding settlement agreements with the affected employees in an expeditious manner and that the outcomes will be immediately conveyed to the relevant government officials.

Moolams has since assured all its current stakeholders that their interests would be dealt with in a fair and equitable manner.

Lumwana Mines has assured the government and the public that they were fully committed to their operations at Lumwana mine.

And the affected workers told the Daily Nation in Solwezi that the company would today address them about the way forward and how they would be paid their terminal benefits.

The workers claimed that Barrick terminated the contract with Moolmans because of some misunderstandings, adding that the copper mine giant had already given the deal to another company called Laurel.

“Barrick Lumwana Copper mines and they have terminated the contract because of the misunderstanding they had and we are told that they have already given the contract to Laurel another Mining Company,” said the workers.

And when contacted for a comment, North Western Province Permanent Secretary Augustine Seyuba said that he was not aware of  the matter and would only comment after he was briefed by the concerned parties.

“I am not aware of the issue as I have not been briefed about it, I will only be able to comment on the matter after I am briefed,” said Mr Seyuba

Barrick Lumwana Copper Mines Corporate Affairs Director could not be immediately reached for a comment.

The Independent Observer/Daily Nation