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.