By Esther Chisola
Vedanta has promised to operate with integrity, responsibility and transparency, after full management was reinstated to operate Konkola Copper Mines (KCM).
Vedanta resources director corporate communication Masuzyo Ndhlovu stated that the move was aligned with the government’s vision to make Zambia one of the largest copper producing nations in the world.
In a statement yesterday, Ndhlovu stated that the reinstated board comprised a diverse range of skilled and experienced professionals.
“This marks the return of full management control to Vedanta, which is a necessary first step to Vedanta ramping up production and working toward unlocking KCM’s full potential,” he stated.
“Our shared commitment to governance, safety, and environmental stewardship will ensure that KCM operates with integrity, responsibility, and transparency. We will work tirelessly to create value for all stakeholders while making a positive impact on the communities we serve and build a brighter future for KCM,” added Vedanta Metal Base chief executive officer Chris Griffith.
Ndhlovu stated that with high-grade Copper deposits in excess of 2.4%, KCM is one of the largest deposits of high-grade copper in the world.
“The mines are located in one of the highest-grade copper seams in the world, at Nchanga, Konkola, Nkana, and Nampundwe. KCM’s operations include the KDMP underground mine, Nchanga open pit mines, concentrators, smelter, TLP, and refinery. The Company is focused on safety, environment, and socio- economic development,” he stated.
Ndhlovu stated that KCM is fully aligned with the Government’s vision of producing 3.0 million metric tonnes of Copper within the next 10 years on its journey to making Zambia one of the world’s leading copper-producing nations.
“With a total of 412kt of contained Cobalt Reserves and Resources, KCM also has the potential to sit amongst the top five cobalt producers globally,” he stated.
He further stated that vedanta resources plans to invest an additional $1bn to further develop KCM and ramp up existing copper production levels to 300ktpa and cobalt production from 1ktpa to 6ktpa by improving production capabilities.
Those reinstated include; Griffith, the current CEO of Vedanta Base Metals, Malcolm Mewett a global mining engineer with over 40 years, Akhilesh Joshi a mining engineer with over 45 years of experience
And Dr. Moses Banda a renowned Zambian economist and advisor who has served as economic advisor to Zambia’s third president the late Levy Patrick Mwanawasa.
Others include; Pushpender Singla the current CFO of Vedanta Base Metals Business, Malis Sancia, Dr. Diana Kangwa, Manuel Mutale and Rodney Machila.
