CHINGOLA, 29 May 2026 – Konkola Copper Mines Plc (KCM) wishes to inform its business partners, stakeholders, employees and the general public that the Nchanga Smelter has commenced a planned 60-day shutdown as part of a comprehensive maintenance and repair programme aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, reliability and long-term production performance.

KCM Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mr Malcolm Mewett, said the scheduled shutdown forms part of the company’s broader rebuilding and modernisation strategy designed to strengthen mining and processing operations across the business.

“KCM commenced a planned 60-day shutdown of the Nchanga Smelter to undertake critical maintenance works that will enhance operational effectiveness and improve overall plant reliability,” said Mr Mewett.

“This programme represents an important milestone in our ongoing rebuilding and repair efforts as we continue to restore key infrastructure and position the business for sustainable production growth. We have deliberately scheduled these works to ensure the smelter operates optimally within its design parameters and supports improved performance in the years ahead. We expect to resume smelter operations in August 2026.

”The shutdown will involve major refurbishment and maintenance activities requiring close collaboration with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), specialised technical partners, local contractors, and suppliers. The rehabilitation works have engaged more than 1,449 skilled and  unskilled workers, including 578 newly created jobs that directly benefit local community members through employment opportunities, skilled labour engagement, and associated support services.

To ensure continuity of copper production during the maintenance period, KCM has put in place business continuity measures to sustain processing operations. The company will continue supplying the Tailings Leach Plant (TLP) through a combination of externally sourced acid and production from the 500-tonne-per-day acid plant at Nchanga Operations.

KCM remains committed to investing in critical infrastructure, operational excellence, employee safety and sustainable long-term growth as the company advances its production recovery and expansion strategy.

About KCM

Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) Plc a subsidiary of Vedanta Resources Limited, is one of the largest copper producers in Zambia. It operates mining and processing plants located in four districts namely Chingola, Chililabombwe, Kitwe and Nampundwe. 
With an investment pledge of over $1.2billion by Vedanta, KCM envisages to unlock key operations such as the Konkola Deep Mining Project (KDMP) in Chililabombwe and increase production to 300,000 tonnes of copper per year by 2030.

Issued by:

Corporate Affairs Department

Konkola Copper Mines

Contact:  John E.L Kunda

Chief Corporate Affairs Officer 

Contact -0972013879