ZMDC needs $20m to resume operations at SMM

Before it was transferred to ZMDC, SMM had gone for two years under judicial management.
The mine collapsed in 2008, leaving an estimated 3 000 workers jobless.

Mr Masimirembwa said mining operations would resume once funds were available.
“ZMDC needs over $20 million to revitalise the asbestos rich mine,” he said.

“In that manner, the funds should be readily available to start operations at the mines.”
Mr Masimirembwa said the ZMDC was now working to make sure operations resumed soon.

Before suspending operations, SMM used to produce an estimated 200 000 tonnes of fibre every year.
SMM, once one of Africa’s largest asbestos producers, had access to markets in the US, UK, Angola, Nigeria, Zambia, Mozambique, India, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, China and Indonesia.

The mines are reportedly sitting on reserves that can be exploited for the next 20 years.
By assuming ownership over SMM, ZMDC took the responsibility to pay workers who had gone for years without receiving salaries. — New Ziana.