Konkola to increase copper production
KONKOLA Copper Mine (KCM) will increase copper production at the company’s mine in Chililabombwe by an additional 10,000 metric tonnes.
KCM says it will increase copper production at its Konkola Mine in Chililabombwe from 60,000 metric tonnes in 2015 to 70,000 metric tonnes this year.
KCM vice-president-economic development David Paterson said that the Konkola Deep Mining Project (KDMP) is coming to life after commencement of production.
“We are yet to be where we are supposed to be. Mining is complex and we are in production. We are likely to increase production at the mine from 60,000 metric tonnes last year to 70,000 metric tonnes this year,” Mr Paterson said.
He said production at KDMP was at a gradual process and would only increase after enhanced mining activities.
Mr Paterson was speaking after United Nations resident coordinator Janet Rogan toured the mines in Chililabombwe and Chingola on Wednesday.
KDMP, whose works commenced in 2006, was sunk at a cost of US$600 million with production commencing in 2013.
With the low copper prices, Mr Paterson said the situation was also affecting production at the mine, resulting in high production costs.
KDMP is a south ore body sunk to 1,500 metres whose life span is over 50 years.
KCM is a subsidiary of London-based mining giant Vedanta Resources.
Konkola mine in Chililabombwe has over 90 million tonnes of copper underground.
Meanwhile, Mr Paterson refuted social media reports that KDMP’s shaft four was sunk at a wrong place.
Mr Paterson said all geological surveys were in place before the commencement of the project.
“Our mining activities are on course and production is going on,” he said.
Mr Paterson said KCM would continue to support communities and environments where it operates from.