By ALICE NACHILEMBE
Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) Chief Executive Officer, Christopher Sheppard, has retired and will be leaving the Company on November 12, 2021.
Mr Sheppard has been CEO of KCM since March 18, 2019 and took on additional roles of CEO for Konkola Mineral Resources Limited (KMRL) and interim CEO for KCM SmelterCo Limited following the restructuring and reoganisation of KCM into the two operating units, effective February 1, 2021.
KCM Provisional Liquidator Milingo Lungu said that Mr Enock Mponda has been appointed as acting CEO for KCM and will act as CEO for KCM SmelterCo Limited in addition to his substantive role. And Mr Moses Chilambe has been appointed to act as CEO of KMRL.
Mr Milingo said prior to being employed as KCM Chief Executive Officer, Mr Sheppard, has a career in mining spanning over 37 years, had worked in Executive roles for some major mining firms in South Africa, including the Anglo American, Anglo Platinum, Lonmin Platinum and Murray Roberts Cementation, as well as being the Chief Operating Officer at AngloGold Ashanti Limited.
He said at KCM, Mr Sheppard will be remembered for superintending over the Company during extremely challenging times and some uncertainty, which culminated into the pronouncement of the liquidation process of KCM on May 19, 2019.
“Chris was a thoughtful and forthright CEO who inspired employees and business partners and their workers to steer KCM in the right direction under difficult circumstances.
“Credit should be given to him for his stewardship in keeping KCM afloat and we shall remember him for his commitment to inspire the growth of the Company and keeping employees aligned to the cause of KCM, as well as fostering a cordial working relationship between the Company and its numerous stakeholders and the government” he said.
