Zambia’s high demands on mining companies

Authorities have asked mining companies in Africa’s second-biggest copper producer to double their efforts to save power to 40% of normal demand. Zesco Ltd., the state-owned power company, asked operators to increase cuts or turn to emergency power starting this month. Copper is crucial to Zambia and the industry generates about 70% of export revenue, so the government has sought to shield mines from the energy crisis. Residential electricity users suffer daily power cuts lasting at least 12 hours. Output has so far remained stable thanks to cooperation between the mining industry and the government, said Sokwani Chilembo, chief executive of the Zambian Chamber of Mines. Africa’s second-biggest copper producer is experiencing its worst drought in decades, undermining hydroelectric generation.

MINING.COM