London-listed Vedanta Resources Plc celebrated Zambia’s Golden Jubilee – the 50 years of independence – with a pledge to continue mining in the country for at least the next 50 years.

At a business meeting in London, which was attended by the Zambia High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Paul Lumbi and his staff, Zambians in the Diaspora, Vedanta Resources plc representative Geoffrey Green said the company was eager to continue to do business in Zambia.

The meeting also featured the Business Council for Africa (BCA) and some prominent business leaders.

‘’Vedanta feels proud and privileged to be mining copper in Zambia. It’s no surprise that many firms from across the world have chosen to invest in this beautiful country. Zambia’s enabling environment makes her an attractive destination for foreign investment,” Mr Green said.

“As with any economy, there are always challenges that businesses like ours must overcome, but what you can be assured of in Zambia is the political will to help resolve these difficulties when they occur,’’ he added.

Mr Green said KCM had become Zambia’s largest integrated copper producer, with an entire production value chain comprising of open pit and underground mines, concentrators, a state-of-the-art smelter, a tailings leach plant and a refinery.

“We have created the foundations to enable us to continue mining in Zambia for at least the next fifty years. I don’t suppose I will be here to celebrate Zambia’s centenary in 2064, but I feel confident that Vedanta will be.’’

Vedanta Resources Plc is the majority shareholder in Konkola Copper Mines (KCM), which has operations in Kitwe, Chingola, Nampundwe and Chililabombwe.

Zambia gained its independence from Great Britain on 24th October 1964.