KCM boosts Nchanga mine’s life
By NKWETO MFULA
KONKOLA Copper Mine (KCM) is investing US$180 million in the Nchanga mine underground project to increase the lifespan and mining activities at the mine.
The mining giant has also budgeted US$15 million for exploration of minerals with a view to increasing the KCM presence in Zambia.
Briefing journalists in Chingola on Monday, company chief executive officer Jeyakumar Janakaraj said KCM will soon embark on the Nchanga deep project that will increase the lifespan of the underground mine to 35 years from the current 26 years.
“We are looking forward to the Nchanga underground project, we have set aside US$180 million for the programme, “he said.
Mr Janakaraj said the company is interested in venturing into exploration of copper for enhanced mining activities and plans on spending US$15 million for this project.
“We want to be everywhere in Zambia, we will be exploring for copper in other parts of the country,” he said.
Mr Janakaraj said KCM will approach Government for a mineral exploration licence for the company to go beyond the leach plant.
He said Zambia has enormous exploration opportunities which KCM wants to explore.
He said the company will be part to the growth of the mining industry across the country.
Meanwhile, the Konkola Deep Mine Project (KDMP) at Chililabombwe’s mine is progressing well and is expected to be completed before the end of 2012.
“A lot of people have doubted the completion of the historic project in Chililabombwe. Our target now is to soon complete the ongoing KDMP project, it is progressing very well,” he said.
He said once the project is completed, the lifespan for Chililabombwe KCM mine will be increased to 35 years from 26 years.
KCM has a total of 23,000 employees at its mines in Chingola and Chililabombwe.
Mr Janakaraj said KCM employs between 350 to 400 people every year.