Konkola Copper Mines plc (KCM) concluded a series of celebrations to mark Zambia’s 53^rd Anniversary of Independence with an event staged at the Chingola Golf Club on Monday. In attendance was Hon Christopher Yaluma MP, Minister of Mines, Matthew Nkhuwa, the Minister of Works and Supply, Nchanga Member of Parliament Chali Chilombo and their Worships the Mayors of Chingola, Kitwe and Chililabombwe. Also present were KCM Board members, District Commissioners, KCM staff, contractors and suppliers.

Addressing the audience of more than 300 people, KCM’s CEO, Steven Din, said: ‘’At KCM we often draw parallels between Zambia’s journey since independence and our own journey. Indeed, the history of Zambia cannot be told without reference to the Copperbelt and the role that our industry has played in nation building.’’

Hon Yaluma, Minister of Mines, thanked KCM management and staff for their warm welcome and said; ‘’ Zambia Day provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by our freedom fighters and to recall the peaceful journey we have made together since independence. The values and sacrifices that our freedom fighters showed are the very same values that will enable us to transform Zambia into a middle-income nation – a nation that is growing and leaving no-one behind.’’

Hon Yaluma went on to commend KCM staff for their efforts to ramp up production at KCM and their continued service to their communities.

‘’The investments you are making within your operations and the community are noteworthy, and the long-term vision that you have for KCM operations and business on the Copperbelt is a source of great inspiration,’’ he said.

In his concluding remarks, KCM CEO Steven Din paid tribute to Zambia’s freedom fighters while also focusing on the important role of partnerships for KCM’s business.

‘’At KCM, we have a 50-year vision for our business and opportunities on the Copperbelt,’’ Mr Din said. ‘’We want to see the Copperbelt grow into a diversified and resilient economic hub. Only in partnership – with our communities, with our host government, with world class technical providers, contractors and local suppliers – can we realise this vision and make a real and lasting contribution to Zambian society. Only in partnership can we realise the full benefits of Zambia’s natural resources and deliver the scale required to regain our position as the number one producer of copper in Africa.’’

Chingola-based freedom fighters shared their experiences on the freedom struggle, the way of living of the local people and how they saw the evolution of mining and the naming of key landmarks and townships in the mining town.