- The Zambian government has today confirmed the Chinese-owned NFC Africa Mining, to take over the Luanshya Copper Mines, which was facing closure since metal prices hit deep lows at the end of last year.
The Luanshya mine which is Zambia's largest cobalt producer, has an annual capacity to produce up to 4,000 metric tons of cobalt and 40,000 tons of copper, and was due for an expansion before the global crisis hit on the copper sector.
The Chinese company already owns the Chambishi Copper mines as well as the smelter on the Copper Belt.
The company is expected to resume operations by the end of this month, with most of the over 1,500 workers laid-off last year to be recontracted, according to the deal signed with the union of mineworkers as well as the government.
Announcing the good news to the former workers, Zambia's president Rupiah Banda said the new company had taken over the 85 percent of the operations with the remainder still with the government.
Mr Banda promised early this year that his government was to do all it could to save jobs as well as the once lucrative Zambia's copper mining.
afrol News - It is called "financial inclusion", and it is a key government policy in Rwanda. The goal is that, by 2020, 90 percent of the population is to have and actively use bank accounts. And in only four years, financial inclusion has doubled in Rwanda.
afrol News - The UN's humanitarian agencies now warn about a devastating famine in Sudan and especially in South Sudan, where the situation is said to be "imploding". Relief officials are appealing to donors to urgently fund life-saving activities in the two countries.
afrol News - Fear is spreading all over West Africa after the health ministry in Guinea confirmed the first Ebola outbreak in this part of Africa. According to official numbers, at least 86 are infected and 59 are dead as a result of this very contagious disease.
afrol News - It is already a crime being homosexual in Ethiopia, but parliament is now making sure the anti-gay laws will be applied in practical life. No pardoning of gays will be allowed in future, but activist fear this only is a signal of further repression being prepared.
afrol News / Africa Renewal - Ethiopia's ambitious plan to build a US$ 4.2 billion dam in the Benishangul-Gumuz region, 40 km from its border with Sudan, is expected to provide 6,000 megawatts of electricity, enough for its population plus some excess it can sell to neighbouring countries.