By ALICE NACHILEMBE
Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) Provisional Liquidator Milingo Lungu says KCM has continued to ramp up production at all its Business Units.
This includes Nchanga Business Unit, Konkola Business Unit and Nampundwe Mine near Lusaka.
Mr Lungu said while the Smelter at Nchanga is undergoing a planned shutdown, the Smelter is scheduled to restart operations by 19 November 2019.
He said Konkola Underground Mine in Chililabombwe is targeting close to 2,000t of integrated copper in concentrates this month while Nchanga Underground and Nchanga Open Pit Mines have targeted 1,300t of copper in concentrates.
Mr Lungu said the Tailings Leach Plant (TLP) at Nchanga has set a target of at least 3,000t of cathodes for the month of November.
“Management, employees and contractors are doing a good job and my focus continues to be ensuring that we nurture the value of KCM asset. This requires improving the Company’s production but also securing the funding to help sustain the KCM’s working capital which was completely eroded during the previous era,” he said.
He said engagement and cooperation with all suppliers and contractors is ongoing and liabilities are being addressed.
Mr Lungu said as the Company’s operations ramp up more of the suppliers will be paid within a given time-frame.
He said all KCM suppliers and contractors are key to the company’s long-term operations.
Mr Lungu said KCM remains committed to settling any debt owed to respective stakeholder groups and commits to engaging all stakeholders to ensure sustained operations of the Company.