MINING COMPANIES CREATE 11,000 JOBS

There are now 36 mining companies operating in Moatize district, in the western Mozambican province of Tete, and between them they have so far created 10,811 jobs, according to the Moatize district administrator, Manuel Guimaraes.Cited on Monday by Radio Mozambique, Guimaraes said this boost in employment has a visible effect on the social life of the population, notably with more households sending their children to school.“The projects are bringing good results”, said Guimaraes. “Young people are now sending their children to school, and providing social assistance to their dependents. The number of unemployed youths in the streets has declined”.By far the largest companies active in Moatize are Vale of Brazil and Riversdale Mining of Australia, both of which are opening large open cast coal mines. Vale has begun production, and both companies hope to begin coal exports later this year.Guimaraes said that the local authorities are working with the companies to encourage the creation of more jobs, to stimulate a culture of work among young people, and to discourage illegal activities.“We are concerned to create a culture of work among the youths, because some of them end up losing their jobs when they become involved in illicit activities”, he said.Guimaraes added that mining is also leading to the opening of new roads, with road lighting, and the construction of various social facilities.