…as President Lungu says there is no need for government to negotiate with KCM
By Staff Writer
President Edgar Lungu says the executive has made a final decision to intervene into the deteriorating situation at the Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) following its failure to develop its mines despite several empty promises.
President Lungu said government lawyers led by the Attorney General will pursue legal options and ensure that the full due process of the law was followed in disengagement with KCM and finding new investors to take over the mine.
Speaking after meeting mine unions, suppliers and contractors as well as the Zambia Chamber of Mines in Ndola, President Lungu assured the nation that any intervention would be through a legal process and not a hostile action.
He said government was following all legal requirements and will ensure that provisions of the agreement with KCM are respected.
President Lungu said there is no need for his government to negotiate with KCM because over the years it’s parent company Vedanta Resources has been lying to him of investing billions of dollars in the mine.
He revealed that many investors are ready to take over KCM and government will no longer tolerate lies by the mining giant.
He has also warned that Mopani Copper Mines will be next in line if it does not change the way it treats it’s workers and the way it conducts business.
Mr Lungu said after the KCM take over, any other mine that does not benefit Zambians will be followed up.
And Nchanga Member of Parliament Chali Chilombo has praised President Lungu for his bold decision over KCM.
Meanwhile, the Association of Mine Suppliers and Contractors has appreciated the move by government saying it will lessen their burden.
Association President Augustine Mubanga told President Lungu during a meeting at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, that KCM owes suppliers and contractors US $ 216 million which it is failing to pay.
And Zambia Chamber of Mines President Goodwell Mateyo asked President Lungu to look at a number of options the chamber has asked for from government to adjust.
But President Lungu refused saying KCM had been promising for for year but it has my.
