By 
Kankoyo Member of Parliament, Heartson Mabeta, has vowed to treat Mopani Copper Mines (MCM) Chief Executive Officer, Charles Sakanya, as a political opponent, following a press statement from the mining firm denying a meeting over Mufulira’s Tailings Dam 11.
Mabeta expressed shock and dismay at Mopani’s statement, which he claimed attempted to undermine his credibility on an issue of public interest.
He insisted that his office had been actively engaging with Sakanya regarding the tailings dam and that they were scheduled to meet on Thursday to discuss various issues, including mining licenses issued to artisanal miners interested in exploiting the dumpsite.
“I am at pains to understand what motivated Mopani Management to issue such an ill-timed statement,” Mabeta said. “This statement now justifies and clearly confirms that the Mopani CEO is working against the United Party for National Development (UPND) government.”
The lawmaker accused Sakanya of obstructing government’s efforts to empower local residents by refusing to allow licensed artisanal miners access to the dumpsite.
He gave the Mopani CEO a 48-hour ultimatum to retract the statement, warning that failure to do so would result in his office treating Sakanya as a political adversary.
Mabeta further suggested that Mopani management might have vested interests in Tailings Dam 11, commonly known as the Black Mountain, questioning their reluctance to grant access to license holders.
“For over a decade, I have advocated for the copper dumpsites in Kankoyo to be handed over to the community as a way of empowering the masses,” he said.
He also clarified that the issue of TD 11 had been raised with the Ministry of Mines and Parliament on multiple occasions.
Mabeta described Mopani’s statement as a direct insult to the UPND government, which he said has been championing youth and women empowerment.
“Since the Mopani CEO has crossed the line, we shall take him on,” Mabeta declared. “I pledge to the residents of Kankoyo that I will do everything within my power to ensure they fully benefit from TD 11.”
On Wednesday, MCM dismissed claims by Kankoyo Member of Parliament, Heartson Mabeta, that he met with company Chief Executive Officer, Charles Sakanya, regarding the Mufulira copper dump, known as the Mufulira Black Mountain.
MCM Public Relations Manager, Nebert Mulenga, said in a statement on Wednesday that Mabeta’s remarks should be treated as false and baseless.
“At no time did the CEO engage Mr. Mabeta over the Mufulira Copper Slag Dump,” Mulenga said.
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