Glencore Zambia Unit May Fire 4,700 Workers
- Mopani Copper Mines says it has scaled back operations
- Government urges Mopani to reach deal with energy provider
A miner stands on a rail track in an underground tunnel at a copper mine in Chingola, Zambia.
Photographer: Waldo Swiegers/BloombergThis article is for subscribers only.
Glencore Plc’s copper unit in Zambia said a dispute over electricity fees that has already led to reduced power supply may result in the dismissal of 4,700 workers.
Copperbelt Energy Corp. lowered supplies to Mopani Copper Mines after the company refused to pay new power prices introduced by the government at the start of the year. Mopani said the fee increase wasn’t part of its agreement with Copperbelt. Mopani, which employs about 15,000 people including contractors, has notified the government of the planned job losses, Labor Minister Joyce Nonde-Simukoko said by phone.