Konkola Copper Mines is delighted that one of its leaders, Mr. Felix Sikaonga, has been honoured by the Chamber of Mines of Zambia, winning the “Mining Personality of the Year” award.

The title, conferred by eminent and independent judges, was awarded to Mr. Sikaonga in recognition of his contribution to improved safety atKCM at a gala dinner on Friday June 26, held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Lusaka.

Mr. Sikaonga, KCM’s Manager for Safety, Health, and Environment, has headed an outstanding company-wide effort to reduce injuries and keep employees safe at KCM.

After three fatalities and a number of serious injuries at its operations in 2014, the company initiated the “Chachilamo” (Enough is Enough!) safety campaign across KCM to reinvigorate employees’ commitment to observing safety.

With his well-known enthusiastic and energetic style, Felix worked tirelessly to build support for the campaign. The outcomes speak for themselves. There has not been a single fatality since the campaign began in December 2014, and the company has seen its best safety performance in 11 years.

Commenting on his award, Mr. Sikaonga said: “It is a big inspiration to win an award of this nature. This is a recognition of the efforts I have put in at KCM to ensure a safe work place. I owe it to management and the entire team at KCM – we have achieved this milestone together.”

KCM CEO Mr. Steven Din said: “Felix has made an outstanding personal contribution to the success of the Chachilamo! programme. His commitment, infectious energy, and enthusiasm has moved us a long way towards our goal of a zero-harm workplace.  I am delighted to see him honoured in this way.”

To drive the initiative, KCM management selected 20 Chachilamo champions from across the company, who each worked with five “foot soldiers” from their sections. The whole team was headed by Mr. Sikaonga. Chachilamo was a successful reminder of the importance of safety, as well as a practical initiative to ensure that all employees felt safe at work.