A consortium of Civil Society Organisations has threatened to protest on August 12, 2023, over the non-functionality status of Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) and Mopani.

Speaking at a press briefing, Advocates for National Development and Democracy (ANDD) Executive Director, Samuel Banda, says mining remains a key economic sector to drive development for the country, therefore says opening KCM and Mopani will ensure that the Copperbelt economy does not slide into further recession.

And Zambians for Peace, Unity and Development (ZUPED) president, Ronnie Jere, has since urged government to take seriously matters affecting the operation of the two mining firms.

In May this year, Republican President Hakainde Hichilema disclosed that government had lost ground on concluding matters surrounding Mopani and KCM.

By Darius Choonya