/ 6 April 1999

MINE FLOP THREATENS ZAMBIA

THE Zambian government’s failure to beat the March 31 deadline to sell its loss-making Konkola, Nkana, Nchanga and Nampundwe copper mines could undermine its economy, which registered a negative 2% growth last year, economists say. The delay in selling the mines is attributed to Anglo American Corporation’s failure to secure $90-million and a major mining partner with which to execute the deal. British company Reunion Mining, which is still negotiating with KGHM Polaska Miedz SA of Poland for a joint venture acquisition of Mufulira mine, also failed to meet the deadline.

ZCCM