THE Lumwana Multi-Facility Economic Zone (MFEZ) is to relocate from the current mining site to the area across the T-4 highway near Manyama settlement in the proposed Lumwana town.

The decision to relocate was due to security concerns including concentration of mineral deposits at the previous site.

Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) MFEZ manager Robert Banda said Barrick Gold undertook a revision of the MFEZ and following the approval of the Lumwana town plan by the Ministry of Local Government and Housing, the mining firm decided to relocate to an area across the T-4 highway near Manyama settlement.

"Barrick Gold Corporation reaffirms their position with regard to the development of the Lumwana MFEZ and will be moving the project including the housing estate, to the area in Lumwana town which has had its integrated development plan approved by the Ministry of

Local Government and Housing," Mr Banda said.

He said moving out of the mining area underscores the concerns that were raised by the investors that had expressed interest in setting up business in the Lumwana MFEZ, as they would be subjected to restrictions bordering on security concerns raised by the mine.

Mr Banda said when Barrick Gold Corporation took over from Equinox Minerals, it had to undertake a review of the MFEZ, especially that the site proposed for the development of the project, appeared to have encroached on the mineral resource area which Barrick Gold were prepared to exploit.

Mr Banda said the development of the MFEZ would lead to sustained investments and job creation in the new Lumwana town.