Kalumbila mine signs exploration agreement with chief Ntambu

Kalumbila Mine Limited, a subsidiary of First Quantum Minerals Limited (FQML), has signed an access agreement with Chief Ntambu of the Lunda speaking people of Mwinilung’a district to carry out mineral explorations in his chiefdom.

Signing on behalf of Trident Project, Enterprise Exploration senior geologist, Grethen Williams, said the mining company is currently undertaking regional explorations of copper and nickel in Chief Ntambu’s area of about 211.95 km square which will run until September 2015.

Mr Williams said the purpose of the exploration project is to locate new occurrences of minerals listed in the prospecting licence and to develop an understanding of the geological setting within the prospecting licence.

He said the two parties have agreed that FQML will use all reasonable efforts to employ local people where an opportunity exists arising from work requirements within the project.

He said both parties should adopt all reasonable measures to ensure the realistic of the objective of the access agreement among others.

And speaking at his palace, Chief Ntambu expressed happiness that the two parties have come to a mutual understanding over the project.

Chief Ntambu, however, requested FQML to ensure that they furnish him and other relevant authorities with information on the progress of the project in accordance with relevant legislation.

Witnessing the signing ceremony, acting District Commissioner, Shayama Mangalilo, said government appreciates such ventures aimed at bringing development to areas in terms of mining activities.

Mr Mangalilo thanked both parties for being transparent by involving government at local level.