CHINGOLA, 25th July, 2016 – Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) Chairman Tom Albanese has said the health and safety of employees is a top priority in the company because healthy employees are more engaged, productive and have a higher morale.

Mr Albanese, who is also Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of KCM’s parent company, Vedanta Resources Plc, said the health of employees is of critical importance as the company seeks to drive Vedanta’s 50-year vision to continue mining in Zambia.

Speaking to several employees at the KCM Head Office in Chingola, Mr Albanese said: “we have a 50-year vision for this company. We need you to be healthy to help the company realise the vision hence the need to implement such wellness programmes that promote the health of the workers.”

Mr Albanese urged employees to live healthy lives by engaging in exercises and maintaining a good diet.

The health initiative will involve employees walking at least 10,000 steps every day to keep fit and getting involved in sporting activities such as football, netball, volleyball, cycling and others.

Mr Albanese noted that the current challenges facing the company as a result of poor global economic fundamentals, especially low copper price, and a nationwide power deficit would not stop KCM from pursuing its goals to increase copper production through various initiatives, including cost reduction.

“We will prevail despite the challenges we are facing. Together we can do it. We will come out stronger. That is why we need you to be healthy and have strength in your body and in your mind,” he said.

KCM CEO Steven Din said during the launch that the ‘Nchingilile Ubumi’ campaign does not only encourage employee fitness but also creates a platform for team building and social interaction.

“Initiatives such as Nchingilile Ubumi signify the importance of team building and working together for a common cause. KCM management hopes that such activities will have a positive impact on individuals as well as the organisation,” Mr Din Said.

Mr Din said it was imperative for all employees to remain steadfast and focused on increasing production.

For any clarification contact:

Shapi Shachinda
Manager Public Relations & Communications
Mobile: 0978 871958

About KCM:
Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) is one of Africa’s largest integrated copper producers, with mining operations in Zambia’s Copperbelt and Central Provinces. Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) is a subsidiary of Vedanta Resources Plc. In addition, state-owned Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines Investment Holdings (ZCCM-IH) holds a signi¬ficant shareholding (20.6%) in KCM. Since 2004, KCM has invested close to US$ 3 billion to upgrade and expand company assets, including US$1 billion sinking and commissioning a 1,500 meter deep mine shaft at the Konkola Deep Mining Project (KDMP). KCM is one of the largest private sector employers in the country and maintains one of the most comprehensive corporate social investment programmes in the country, focused on education, health and livelihoods.