Top news items in major Zambian media outlets

The following are news highlights in Zambia's major media outlets on Monday.

-- The private sector has advised the Zambian government to take advantage of the loans with three percent interest rates currently being offered by the Export-Import Bank of China to finance socioeconomic sectors instead of using more expensive and restrictive finances. (Daily Nation)

-- Three illegal gold miners died while another survived with injuries in central Zambia's Luano district after an illegal gold mine caved in on them while underground.

Central Province Police Commissioner Lombe Kamukoshi said the four people were conducting illegal gold mining along a river in the district when heaps of soil collapsed on them last Friday. (Times of Zambia)

-- Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) Plc, a Zambian unit of London listed Vedanta Resources Plc, has allayed fears that its decision to shut down its smelter for 40 days will result in job losses.

Steven Din, the company's managing director said it was not true that the shutdown of its smelter for maintenance purposes will result in job losses. He said the shutdown was necessary because it will bring about increased efficiency in its operations. (Zambia Daily Mail) Endit