Zambian mine raises pay

Chinese-owned Chambishi Mining Plc, which runs smaller operations, had separately awarded its workers a 21% pay increase.

Konkola, which operates the Konkola, Nchanga and Fitwaola open pit mines, Namupndwe pyrite mine and Nkana smelter, employs more than 10 000 workers.

"We are satisfied with what we have achieved out of the negotiations," said Albert Mando of the National Union of Mining and Allied Workers, who saw the deal was good considering low inflation and an appreciation of the kwacha currency.

Mando said the lowest paid Konkola worker would now earn 1.4 million kwacha while the highest paid miner would now earn 2.4 million.

In 2005, Konkola workers went on strike after management declined to award them a 30% pay rise. The strike disrupted production of Zambia's largest copper producer.

"We have also concluded negotiations with Chambishi and agreed on a 21% pay rise," Mando said.

NFC Africa parent company China Non-Ferrous Metals Industries Foreign Engineering and Construction (CNFC China) bought Chambishi in 1998.