CBU GRANTED MANGANESE EXPLORATION LICENCE
Copperbelt University (CBU) has been granted two large-scale manganese exploration licences in Mwense district, Luapula Province, acting Vice-Chancellor Professor John Bwalya has said.
Speaking during a media breakfast meeting at the university council chamber, Prof Bwalya said the institution is looking for private-sector partners to execute the exploration and mining of manganese.
CBU School of Mines and Mineral Sciences dean John Siame said the two parcels of land for manganese exploration are in chiefs Mwenda and Mutipa’s chiefdoms.
“We have done extensive works in these two areas and what is remaining now is exploration,” Prof Siame said.
He said mining exploration is a difficult task that needs significant investment.
“This is why we are looking for partners to work with us and do this work so that we can go forward and see how much manganese is in that area,” Prof Siame said.
He said the university requires up to K5 million to conduct an environmental impact assessment before actual mining exploration can start.
Prof Siame said the university wants students from the School of Mines and Mineral Sciences to run the mines as interns.