KCM Situation Under Control, Zambia Govt Claims

Zambian Minister of Mines Richard Musukwa has moved to reassure the public that the situation at Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) is now under control.

His comments come following reports of sabotage as Government took over, with accusations that mining company Vedanta had attempted to strip the asset.

“The smelter is intact and was not damaged in anyway. What was removed are keys to the license software. KCM has duplicate copies of the keys to the licence software which will be used in the anticipated startup of the smelter, ” the Minister stated.

The Government moved to take control of the mine following allegations that Vedanta Resources had violated its mining license and owed money in unpaid taxes. The insolvency proceedings were commenced by the state-owned mining company ZCCM-IH, which owned 20% in the company, with Vedanta holding the other 80%.