KCM Unveils First SCADA System to Enhance Power Efficiency and Cut Energy Costs
Posté : lun. 17 nov. 2025 21:28
KCM Unveils First SCADA System to Enhance Power Efficiency and Cut Energy Costs
Konkola Copper Mines Launches New SCADA Energy Management System to Boost Efficiency and Save Nearly $1 Million Monthly
Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) has commissioned its first Maximum Demand Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, a major technological upgrade aimed at improving energy management across its operations.
Installed in partnership with BBEnergy at a cost of US$265,000, the system will monitor and control power demand across multiple substations, helping the company optimise energy use and significantly reduce operational expenses.
During the launch at the Central Energy Control Room in Nchanga, Acting CEO Malcolm Mewett highlighted that the SCADA platform gives KCM greater control over its electricity consumption.
“This advanced system enables the team to stay within daily and monthly maximum demand limits, ensuring KCM only pays for the energy it actually uses,” he said.
Acting General Manager of Power and Energy, Likonge Makai Mulenga, emphasised that the new technology allows for proactive load management to reduce waste and improve efficiency.
She noted that the system has the potential to save the company nearly US$1 million per month by preventing costly over-demand situations.
KCM Manager Power and Energy, Daniel Ngwata, explained that the SCADA system provides real-time monitoring of power consumption across all business units. It also sends instant alerts via SMS and email, enabling quick intervention when necessary.
BBEnergy Senior Project Engineer Leon Erasmus added that the next phase will include remote configuration, automated reporting, WhatsApp and email notifications, full system automation, and comprehensive operator training.
The new SCADA system marks a significant step in KCM’s ongoing efforts to enhance energy efficiency, strengthen operational reliability, and adopt modern technologies across its mining operations
Konkola Copper Mines Launches New SCADA Energy Management System to Boost Efficiency and Save Nearly $1 Million Monthly
Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) has commissioned its first Maximum Demand Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, a major technological upgrade aimed at improving energy management across its operations.
Installed in partnership with BBEnergy at a cost of US$265,000, the system will monitor and control power demand across multiple substations, helping the company optimise energy use and significantly reduce operational expenses.
During the launch at the Central Energy Control Room in Nchanga, Acting CEO Malcolm Mewett highlighted that the SCADA platform gives KCM greater control over its electricity consumption.
“This advanced system enables the team to stay within daily and monthly maximum demand limits, ensuring KCM only pays for the energy it actually uses,” he said.
Acting General Manager of Power and Energy, Likonge Makai Mulenga, emphasised that the new technology allows for proactive load management to reduce waste and improve efficiency.
She noted that the system has the potential to save the company nearly US$1 million per month by preventing costly over-demand situations.
KCM Manager Power and Energy, Daniel Ngwata, explained that the SCADA system provides real-time monitoring of power consumption across all business units. It also sends instant alerts via SMS and email, enabling quick intervention when necessary.
BBEnergy Senior Project Engineer Leon Erasmus added that the next phase will include remote configuration, automated reporting, WhatsApp and email notifications, full system automation, and comprehensive operator training.
The new SCADA system marks a significant step in KCM’s ongoing efforts to enhance energy efficiency, strengthen operational reliability, and adopt modern technologies across its mining operations