Following assertions by Mineworker Unions that NFCA Mine in Chambishi is among the lowest paying companies in Zambia, the mine has clarified that its salary structure is based on its cost model.
NFCA Deputy Human Resource Manager Rebecca Chanda tells Phoenix News that it is not feasible for the mine to emulate salary structures of other mines perceived to pay well because both the cost of production and operation differ from mine to mine.
Mine-Workers Union of Zambia-MUZ- president Joseph Chewe recently warned mines such as NFCA that they would begin to lose skilled labor to other mines if they continue paying low salaries and wages to miners.
Ms. Chanda however says NFCA has over the past 26 years endeavored to prioritize the welfare of its employees by taking part in annual collective bargaining processes to award salary increments.
Meanwhile, NFCA automated mining, which sees remotely controlled machinery underground in areas where people are not allowed, has hit more than fifty percent of its 10,000 tons target of copper production this year to contribute to the mines overall 73000 tons.
PHOENIX NEWS