[miningmx.com] – ZAMBIA plans to cut power supplies to mining companies by up to 30% as it seeks to avoid severe power shortages owing to low water levels at hydroelectric plants, said Reuters.
The power utility, Zesco, is facing a power deficit of 560MW and said that if it spared mines from power cuts, the country would face severe power shortages by October. The water shortage is due to drought.
“Zesco said during the meeting that by October this year Zambia would face a very serious power crisis if it spared the mines,” said one source, who did not want to be named told Reuters.
“Mining companies said cutting their power supply would mean closing down some units and laying off some workers,” the source is quoted to have said. Zambia is Africa’s second largest copper producer with Glencore, Vedanta and First Quantum Minerals operating there.
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