Australia-based Equinox Copper Ventures Limited officially kicked off on Saturday the construction of the Lumwana mine in Zambia's Northwestern province, which upon full completion by 2009, is expected to become the largest copper mine on the continent.

On the ground breaking ceremony, Lumwana project chairman Samson John said over 80 million U.S. dollars have so far been pumped into the project.

By next year, the mine will be able to employ 2,500 people, John said, adding that the province will be transformed into a modern region with improved road infrastructure and better health facilities with the coming of the mine.

Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa said on the ceremony that it is the desire of the his government to eradicate poverty in Northwestern province by opening up new mines in the area.

He attributed the economic development in the region to the good investment policies of his government and called on people to support him in seeking another five-year term.

Zambia is scheduled to hold tripartite elections on September 28 and the president has since launched campaigns around the country.

Source: Xinhua