KCM Revival Will Create Local Jobs – HH

President Hakainde Hichilema has said the revival of Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) will create more jobs for Zambian citizens and increase the amount of tax revenue the country receives, which can in turn be spent on public services.  

Speaking at the re-launch of KCM in Chililabombwe on the Copperbelt, President Hichilema commended the mine’s operator, Vedanta Resources, for working out an agreement with government outside of the courts so that the mine could go back into production.  

In November 2023 the government successfully negotiated Vedanta’s return to KCM after the previous administration had forcibly removed the mine from the company’s ownership in 2019. In July 2024, Vedants settled debts worth $245.75 million to help bring operations back online, with the Zambian government retaining its 20% stake in KCM through ZCCM.

“This mine will move two or three hundred thousand metric tonnes so it can contribute towards the 3 million tonnes of copper – our vision,” said President Hichilema, before calling on the mine’s management to ensure its operations benefit local workers.  

“Colleagues, investors, board management, let’s give jobs to the people of Chililabombwe. Let’s not remove workers; let’s add more workers!,” urged HH.

Chris Griffith, CEO of Vedanta resources, responded optimistically.  “We will restore KCM to the well-oiled machine it once was. And with the investment that we have committed into KCM, we’ll turn this into one of the world’s truly great copper mines,” he said.   

ZCCM’s CEO Dr Ndoba Vibetti was similarly jubilant: “we are pleased at the resolution of all our differences with Vedanta, with the assistance of government, to return KCM to full operations and to set it on a growth path.”

Finally Mining Minister Paul Kabuswe praised the government for its efforts in resolving the KCM dispute left over by the previous Patriotic Front government. 

 “This is an emotional day in the sense that what a protracted process that through your leadership we went through and managed to reach today,” Kabuswe said.