…. As company counts its appeal options
By Scoop Reporter
TROUBLED Mopani Copper Mine says it is assessing options and will initiate an appeal against director of mines’ rejection of its proposal to suspend the operations and put the mine under care and maintenance.
At the beginning of May 2020, Mopani Copper Mines notified the Government of its intention to place the mining operations on care and maintenance after 90 days.
Mopani has now been notified by the Mines Development Department that it has rejected its proposal to suspend the operations pursuant to Section 37(2) of the Mines and Minerals Development Act (2015) (MMDA) and place them on care and maintenance (C&M).
But company Public Relations Manager Nebert Mulenga says Mopani remains of the belief that the only way to protect the company’s value and preserve the option to deliver its growth projects when conditions further improve is to transition the operations to care and maintenance.
“Mopani is currently assessing its options and will initiate an appeal pursuant to the MMDA against the Director of Mines’ decision within the permitted timeframe. Further, it will explore all options available to it to preserve the long-term value of the Mopani business.
“Mopani will continue mining operations pending the outcome of the appeal processes, pursuant to the Director of Mines’ decision and the MMDA. Mopani continues to engage with the relevant Government ministries on identifying potential solutions to address its current challenges,” Mr. Mulenga said.
