EU GIVES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY 17m EUROS

The European Union has given the Geological Survey Department a 17 million Euros grant for the procurement of modern mineral testing equipment for its laboratories.
ZANIS Reports that the grant also includes equipping employees with adequate training on how to use the equipment.
Speaking during a media tour of the Laboratory in Lusaka Geological Survey Department Director Mukofu Chipilauka said the operations of the Laboratory will now improve.
Mr. Chipilauka said one of the main functions of both the chemistry and the Gemology Laboratories is to analyse and evaluate mineral products before they are exported out of the country.
He said the equipment will used for analyzing samples collected by the officers of the geological survey department and members of the public during regional mapping, exploration and mining operations.
Speaking earlier Ministry of Finance National Authorizing Office of the European Union(2b) Alex Chikwese said government is happy that the department now has a fully stocked Laboratory.
Mr. Chikwese said through the metallurgy laboratory the department will be able to conduct test work to develop some processing techniques that will assist small miners.