Range of security measures targets copper theft

Agents in the Copperbelt have joined forces to combat the theft of copper in transit from the mines to the ports. The problem has become so serious that certain truck operators have been blacklisted by the agents. All hauliers carrying copper are now expected to have satellite trackers fitted to their vehicles, along with additional security measures, according to Richard Powell of Cargo Management and Logistics (CML). Trucks are loaded with copper worth around US$250 000 at a time, and hijacking syndicates have moved into the Copperbelt. Mines have also started pouring 2.5-ton copper ingots to make it impossible to offload trucks without specialised equipment. Others have switched to rail, says Chris Chipimo of Bridge Shipping Zambia. Security in the warehouses themselves has been stepped up, and copper is moved out as quickly as possible, says Chipimo. Bridge makes extensive use of covered rail trucks, the doors of which are welded shut before they leave the Bridge premises in Ndola.