CHINGOLA 15 SEPTEMBER, 2018 – British High Commissioner to Zambia his Excellency Fergus Cochrane – Dyet has said KCM plays an important part in the mining sector and economy of Zambia.

He said this when he visited KCM operations in Chingola yesterday. The High Commissioner noted that Zambians are benefiting from the mine through employment and the company’s robust Corporate Social Responsibility programme.
“KCM operations are an important part of the economy of Zambia. The people are benefiting so much from what the mine is doing. I understand KCM employs 13,000 people and has invested $3bn into is operations. The company also has a CSR programme of $20m a year which it is spending on clinics and schools. This is very good for the local community. I would like to urge KCM to continue contributing through employment and community activities to benefit the lives of ordinary Zambians,” he said.

Mr Cochrane – Dyet also commended KCM for its efforts to improve safety in all its operations saying he was struck by the emphasis on safety throughout his tour.

The High Commissioner said part of his mission to the mine was to understand the mining sector and the challenges which the mines were facing.

“I appreciate that KCM has had some challenges. I know that the problem of VAT is one which is faced by all the mining companies and I understand that KCM is in talks with the Government and trying to come to a mutually acceptable resolution. To that I will discuss the matter with the Minister of mines and other members of Government in the near future.”

KCM Head – Smelting & Refining Strategic Business Unit Enock Mponda said the company has drawn a phased plan to raise production in order to overcome the cash flow challenges. The plan includes increasing mined ore from 3 million tonnes to 6 million tonnes at the Konkola mine in the next five years. This is in line with the company’s focus of raising copper production to 400,000 tonnes per annum.