Calls for return of VEDANTA on the Copperbelt is getting louder, with some miners hoping the mining giant can sail through the uncertainties so that work can begin.
The miners who have described the promises of improved working conditions by the mining firm as encouraging say they are anxious to mine under VEDANTA.
James Chirwa, a Kitwe based miner has lamented that working under the current circumstances has not helped him to realise his potential as a miner whose working conditions are not translating into any tangible personal growth.
“Ifwe tulefwaya ba VEDANTA babwelefye, pantu twachula ukufola amasese (We just want VEDANTA to come back because we are tired of exploitation)” Chirwa said.
Kangwa Chilekwa, another Kitwe Miner has called on the UPND government to ensure that they protect the interests of miners by partnering with viable mining coporations such as VEDANTA so that they can once again wear ther ‘dignified mining status’ which has been missing for a long time now.
“This issue has to be expedited because it is standing in the way of the better working conditions and 15 percent salary increment which VEDANTA has promised, once they get back into Zambia’s mining operations” Chilekwa hoped.
VEDANTA is hoping that discussion with Government and ZCCM-IH could culminate into an amicable settlement that will pave way for the takeover of KCM.
