A Chinese company is constructing a manganese smelting plant at a cost of 15 million United States Dollars in Kapiri Mposhi district.

Hu-Cheng Mining Limited which started constructing the plant three months ago is expected to complete the construction and start operating in July 2019.

Hu-Cheng Mining Limited Production Director Yan Li says once complete and fully operational the plant will be the largest manganese smelter in the country.

Mr. Li told ZANIS that the smelter will have capacity to process 40 thousand tons of manganese.

He said the company will also create over 200 direct jobs for local people.

And Kapiri Mposhi Council Chairperson, Obby Kabasa noted that the construction of the manganese plant and other investments coming to the district will help the local authority increase its revenue base.