Mining firms in Zambia rue gov't plan to enforce rail transportation

LUSAKA, Jan. 31 (Xinhua) -- Mining firms in Zambia on Wednesday expressed concern on the government's plan to introduce a law that will compel 30 percent of bulky and heavy cargo to be transported by rail.

Last Friday, Minister of Transport and Communications Brian Mushimba announced the issuance of the statutory instrument which will come into effect next month and was also meant to prevent road damages caused by heavy cargo.

But the Zambia Chamber of Mines, an association of foreign mining firms operating in Zambia, said the move was retrogressive to commerce, trade and industry in the southern African nation.

While acknowledging that the mines were consulted on the move, the association said it was unfortunate that the views from the mining industry were ignored.

"The Chamber is currently evaluating the full impact of this new legislation on the operations and cost structure of mining companies, which are likely to be the largest sector affected," Talent Ng'andwe, the association's deputy chief executive officer said. Enditem