China Copper Mines to construct copper leach plant

China Copper Mines is in the process of constructing a copper leach plant on the Copperbelt at an estimated cost of US$100 million.

Thaustralian gold mines for salee project area is located in Chingola district with over 500 permanent jobs expected to be created for the local community and people in the district.

The company commenced preliminary constructions last year awaiting approval from the Zambia Environmental Management Agency to proceed with the project.

This is according to an Environmental Impact Assessment report submitted to ZEMA.

“The company proposes to exploit five mineral waste dumps in the Fitula area to produce London Metal Exchange grade “A” copper,” says the EIA.

This investment will go towards the construction of mine infrastructure, purchase of mine equipments and the development of the actual mining dumps.

Infrastructure to be constructed on site includes heap leaching pads, back up ponds, solvent extraction, electro winning plants and offices.

The project will have both negative and positive impacts on the environment and the community.

Part of the negative impacts are involuntary resettlement of one household and a church building adding that it is expected to cause indirect loss of income to some Chingola communities.

Other negative impacts include noise pollution resulting from vibration due to crushing, air pollution, and occupation and health impacts.

On the positive front the company has resolved through the Compensation Resettlement Plan to give the affected parties an amount of K100 million for them to construct buildings at the area of their choice,” says the EIA.

Over 200 informal miners who were earning their living through the reclamation of low grade copper ore in the area will be relocated but have compensation package amounts to K600 million.

CCML is a new company in Zambia and has its shareholders United Quarries Limited operating locally for the past six years.