Reuters reported that Zambia's largest mine workers union aimed to block Brazilian firm Vale's planned development of USD 400 million copper mine because of concerns about its bad labour relations record.

Mr Rayford Mbulu president of Mine Workers Union of Zambia said that Vale, which plans to develop the Konkola North copper project had been involved in a standoff with steel workers in Canada for almost a year and should not be allowed in Zambia.

Mr Mbulu said that the 20 million member International Chemical, Energy, Mining and General Workers' Union resolved to oppose Vale's investments worldwide until the company proved that it would respect workers rights.

He said that we don't want Vale and will campaign against it because of the manner in which it has abused the steel workers union in Canada. Vale is very stubborn.

The United Steelworkers said that Vale and the union representing striking workers at its Voisey's Bay nickel mine in eastern Canada last week broke off talks aimed at ending the year-long stoppage.

Mr Eduardo Ledsham ED of Vale said earlier this month that the company planned to start producing copper at Konkola North in 2013 in JV with South Africa's African Rainbow Minerals.

(Sourced from Reuters)