KCM Liquidator Outlines Plans To Expand Production
Celine Nair, Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) Provisional Liquidator, has stated that the firm will continue to take steps to improve production regardless of the ongoing legal action.
Ms Nair, who was assigned her role as liquidator in March, outlined that the priority for the firm is ensuring local jobs whilst searching for new investors.
The announcement came during separate meetings with Raphael Chimupi, Chingola District Commissioner, Johnson Kang’ombe, Chingola Mayor, and Namukolo Kalufyanya, Chingola Town Clerk.
In a social media release by Shapi Shachinda, KCM General Manager, Ms Nair stated, “We are looking at various options to improve production at KCM. The current liquidation process cannot be in perpetuity, and while there are ongoing matters in court, the mine is focusing on ways to raise production.”
She also outlined that the mine’s main goal was to protect both those employed within and outside the mine but also the communities surrounding them. She said, “We will ensure that whatever happens at KCM will benefit the employees, business partners, communities and other stakeholders.”
Ms. Nair also explained that the government was committed to finding a permanent solution to the liquidation process, having taken steps to find a replacement firm to operate the mines.
The statement also outlined the steps that Ms Nair has taken to encourage discussions between management, investors and miners to ensure that the mine is as efficient and safe as possible.
The statement read, “Ms Nair has had engagements with suppliers and contractors as well as officials from Atlas Mara Bank and the Trade Development Bank (TDB) in the Company’s pursuit to restore confidence and expand business with KCM partners. She assured the bankers that KCM was ready to do business in a credible way that guarantees sustainable partnerships aimed at fostering Company growth and business benefits to all stakeholders. Ms. Nair has spent time visiting the underground at Konkola Deep Mine to understand the intricacies of pumping out water.”
She also outlined her commitment to maintaining the four pillars of KCM Corporate Social Responsibility which include health, education, sustainable livelihoods and sports. She especially praised Nchanga Rangers Football Club and their promotion to the Super Division.
KCM is one of Zambia’s largest copper producers and operates in four locations across Zambia. Currently, the mine is the second-largest employer in Zambia, employing 12,550 permanent employees and contractor workers.
The largest of these mines include Chililabombwe and Chingola.
Chililabombwe is the site of an underground mine with three shafts, no.1, no.2 and no.4 as well as a concentrator.
Meanwhile, Chingola has open-pit mines, an underground mine and a direct line to a copper smelter, three contractors, a tailings leach and refractory ore stockpiles.
Photo: Lusaka Times