CHIEF Chisunka of Mansa has expressed disappointment with the Ministry of Mines over its delay in issuing Zamanita a licence to mine manganese in his chiefdom.
In an interview, chief Chisunka said he was under pressure from his subjects on the issue of a licence for Zamanita because it gave them a ray of hope for employment opportunities.
He complained that he discussed with the mines minister, Dr Kalombo Mwansa, area member of parliament Besa Chimbaka and Zamanita director Diego Cassilli and was assured by Dr Mwansa that he would soon get back to him on the issue.
"Unfortunately, Kalombo Mwansa has not gotten back to me. I have a lot of respect for that man, but I am disappointed with him," chief Chisuka said.
"People are coming to me to ask what is happening about the issue because when I discussed with the minister, I assured my people that Zamanita will at least offer them some employment."
Chief Chisunka accused the Ministry of Mines of being crooked and having a preferred Chinese investor whom they wanted to issue a licence for mining manganese.
He said people in his chiefdom would resist any form of crookedness aimed at imposing an investor whom they did not want at the expense of Zamanita who already had the equipment as well as land for mining purposes.
Chief Chisunka urged Dr Mwansa to come out clean and explain why his ministry did not want to give a licence to Zamanita.
"We hear that they want to combine the land for Zamanita and Alpha another firm that has got a prospective mining licence to some Chinese investors," said chief Chisunka.
Mwansa when contacted responded: "I have no comment because the matter has not been decided yet".
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