President Edgar Lungu has called for hard work and collective effort from trade unions, mining companies and Government in addressing challenges facing the mining sector.

Addressing miners in Chililabombwe recently during his visit to Konkola Deep Mining Project, President Lungu said the purpose of his visit was to see for himself, challenges facing the mining industry following the fall in copper prices and the current power deficit.

President Lungu said Zambia’s economy still depends on copper, adding that the country has not diversified sufficiently to depend on other sectors.

He said Government will involve the company mine owners, management and labour leaders to discuss the way forward in solving some of the challenges facing the sector the industry.

Mr Lungu said “The situation in the mining industry is very serious, but as Government we want to do our best to save all the jobs of miners.”

He said going forward, hard decisions will be made but those decisions will have to take into account the interests of the mines, workers and the Zambian people as a whole.

Mr Lungu urged miners to work hard to secure the future of the mines and find ways of surviving during these difficult times.

“Don’t despair, copper prices may rise again and more jobs will be created in future. We just need to work hard,” Mr Lungu said.

The president called for sacrifice from Government, unions and the workers as the country goes through difficult times.