EXPLORATION OF CEMENT RAW MATERIAL ADVANCES

By JOHN KOMBE GOVERNMENT has indicated that the exploration of gypsum, the main raw material in the production of cement, has reached an advanced stage. Director of Mines at the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Development, Fred Banda, said the ministry was carrying out a study to explore other areas where gypsum would be extracted. Mr Banda said that there was a shortage on the local market and hence the decision for the study. He said the country had other areas where the mineral could be found such as the Lochinvar National Park.Mr Banda said that the Geological Survey Department has already started a survey and that the desktop study found that most of the gypsum occurrences were in the game management areas. He said that it was for this reason that guidance was being sought before further action. Mr Banda stated that a concept model has been formulated and submitted to the Ministry of Mines Permanent Secretary for further guidance. He said that the ministry would therefore decide on how it would proceed once a full report was compiled after clearance from the Permanent Secretary. Mr Banda hoped that the undertaking would help to address the supply chain challenges in the cement industry once the project succeeds. He said that the country was currently experiencing a shortage of gypsum due to lack of production at Chambishi Metals, prompting importation of the product thereby affecting cement production. Mr Banda noted gypsum was a key ingredient in the manufacturing of cement and yet it was in short supply but that the shortage would be addressed once other sources of the mineral were exploited.