"China will continue investing here because we treasure the relationship with Zambia. Despite the crisis, Chinese investors will not stop to come," said Chinese ambassador to Zambia Li Qiangmin.

The 200 million dollar (134 million euro) copper smelter is situated in Zambia's mining town of Chambeshi, about 410 kilometres (255 miles) north of the capital.

The crucial copper mining industry was hammered last year by plunging commodity prices which resulted in more than 8,200 job losses in one of the world's poorest countries.

The smelter, which is owned by China Non-ferrous Metal Mining Group Limited, is expected to employ over 600 Zambians and has the capacity to produce 150,000 copper blisters per annum.

"I am pleased to note that more than 600 jobs have been created and our own people have accessed meaningful employment at this particular location," Banda said.

The country experienced one of the worst mining accidents in 2005, when 50 miners died in an explosion at Chambishi, and Banda urged investors to ensure they put in place protective measures.

"I must point out to the authorities at the Chambishi Copper Smelter and all mine sector employers at large, that the health and safety of their employees is of critical interest to the government.

"Invest in your employees. They are the ones generating revenues for you and they are the ones on whom the progress and well-being of families depends," Banda said.

Copper is Zambia's major export earner and contributes more than half of the country's gross domestic product.

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