AFTER an exhaustive two-year effort aimed at forging equitable negotiations to determine the fate of Konkola Copper Mines (KCM), government and Vedanta have finally reached a decisive resolution.

Source: https://www.mwebantu.com/kcms-rebirth-as-minister-advocates-for-a-different-historical-outcome/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=kcms-rebirth-as-minister-advocates-for-a-different-historical-outcome

Four big mines, Barrick Lumwana, FQM Kansanshi, Mopani, and KCM (Konkola Copper Mines), dominate Zambia’s copper production, accounting for about 80% of the annual copper production.

Source: https://www.lusakatimes.com/2023/04/24/hh-challenged-to-ensure-that-zambia-begins-to-run-its-own-mines/

Mr. Chewe said the government should ensure that it looks at the issues affecting workers and the issues of compliance on the mining license if Vedanta was to return to KCM.

Source: https://www.lusakatimes.com/2023/01/16/mine-unions-urge-government-to-bring-back-vedanta-to-run-kcm-if-it-cant-find-an-alternative-investor/

Ms. Hambayi said Mr Phiri had reviewed the immunity agreement granted to Mr Lungu not to institute criminal proceedings against the former KCM Provisional Liquidator.

Source: https://www.mwebantu.com/lungu-wants-dpp-gilbert-phiri-cited-for-contempt-of-court/

One of their key complaints was around Vedanta Resources and KCM.

Source: https://www.lusakatimes.com/2023/02/18/dogs-and-vomit-the-case-of-mine-unions/

Similarly, KCM, despite making some efforts to address its liabilities, carries debts dating back to the days of Vedanta.

Source: https://www.lusakatimes.com/2023/06/13/debt-crisis-threatens-zambias-mining-industry-and-contractors/

The last time the ‘bigfish’ cried foul was when they ‘betrayed’ Vedanta’s KCM for liquidation.

Source: https://www.lusakatimes.com/2023/11/12/what-is-going-on-at-kasenseli-gold-mine/

The unresolved situation of KCM has increased social ills in the mining community, such as a notable increase in incidents of crime, poverty, closure of local companies, job losses, and limited job opportunities for graduates and artisans.

Source: https://www.lusakatimes.com/2023/05/04/ngo-calls-for-transparency-in-konkola-copper-mines-negotiations-with-vedanta-mineral-resources/

They vehemently advocated for Vedanta to leave Zambia and as a listening leader that President Lungu is, he heeded their calls and KCM was liquidated.

Source: https://www.lusakatimes.com/2023/02/18/dogs-and-vomit-the-case-of-mine-unions/

The Zambians for Unity, Peace and Development (ZUPED) President, Ronnie Jere, is calling on the government to resolve the issues surrounding KCM and expedite the opening of Mopani Copper Mines to create more job opportunities for the people of Zambia.

Source: https://www.lusakatimes.com/2023/03/19/civil-society-calls-on-government-to-expedite-konkola-copper-mines-takeover-and-prioritize-worker-conditions/