In order to mitigate the impact of low global copper prices and the power crunch currently being experienced in the country, Konkola Copper Mines has come up with a company-wide improvement initiative known as Chingilila.

The term Chingilila is a local Bemba word which means to protect and it speaks of the collective desire in KCM to protect the company and employees.

The initiative will provide the basis of making a step improvement in the company’s performance at a time of significant global economic challenges and will ensure that all employees are involved in taking the safety performance to a new level, and thereby protect the entire workforce.

Zambia’s Mines Minister Christopher Yaluma who recently launched the programme in Chingola called on employees to contribute positively to the change process to attain positive results.

Mr. Yaluma said the initiative is not only key to the future prosperity of KCM but that it could contribute to the long term sustainability development of the entire mining industry in Zambia.

“What KCM is doing today is a demonstration that challenges are a blessing in disguise, they create impetus to do things differently, move away from business as usual which would not have happened without challenges,” said Mr. Yaluma.

He further added, “There is no doubt the industry is struggling due to low metal prices and the country is grappling with foreign exchange and power difficulties, however this is also an opportunity to make changes in businesses to make them resilient in times of change.”

And KCM Chief Executive Office Steven Din said the Chingilila initiative will be the basis of making a step improvement in the company’s performance at a time of significant global challenges.

“The initiative will improve work practices and safety, embed continuous improvement in the way we work, make us more efficient, promote group interactions and development of innovation and it will ensure that we are not only working hard but also working smart.”

“We will not back down to the challenges but determine to succeed in tough times like this onus when the tough times are over we will find ourselves strong and positioned to grow,” he said.