Zambia plans to cut power supplies to mines by up to 30 percent as
early as next week.
The power cuts are linked to low water levels at hydro-electric
projects due to drought.
Zambia is Africa’s second largest copper producer.
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| Companies warn of layoffs if Zambia goes ahead with power cuts to mines |
The plan, still under discussion with the industry, will see the state-run
power company Zesco Ltd limit the amount of power it supplies to its customers,
including mining companies, due to a power deficit of 560 megawatts.
"Mining companies said cutting their power supply would mean
closing down some units and laying off some workers," according to an
industry source who wished to remain anonymous as reported by Reuters news
agency.
Foreign mining companies in Zambia include Glencore , Barrick Gold
Corp, Vedanta Resources and First Quantum Minerals.