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Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) has reportedly awarded its unionised employees a 13 percent salary increment for the year 2026, following the successful conclusion of the 2026 collective bargaining process.
KCM Vice President – Human Capital Management, Prudence Chisakuta, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, assuring workers and stakeholders that the mine was growing and steadily investing, with all major projects progressing as planned.
“KCM is positioning itself to contribute up to 10 percent of Zambia’s target of achieving three million tonnes of annual copper production by 2031,” Chisakuta said.
This is according to a statement issued by Mineworkers Union of Zambia (MUZ) Coordinator and Public Relations Officer, Micheal Kaluba, who confirmed the development in Kitwe on Friday.
According to the agreement, the salary increment takes effect from January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026, and applies to all eligible unionised employees.
“As part of the negotiated agreement, the education allowance has been increased from K1,200 to K1,550 per month for eligible employees,” Kaluba revealed.
In addition, the coverage period for employees who are medically discharged has reportedly been extended from five to six years, while the benefit period for spouses remains at five years.
KCM has also agreed to increase its pension contribution from five percent to 6.5 percent, a move aimed at strengthening employees’ retirement benefits.
Kaluba said the agreement further provided that all existing allowances will be maintained without any reductions. He added that a rural hardship allowance will be paid to workers operating from KCM’s Nampundwe Mine.
Commenting on the outcome, MUZ President Joseph Chewe welcomed the agreement, describing it as a positive step towards improving the welfare of mine workers.
“While this outcome reflects a commitment to advancing the interests of workers through constructive engagement, there is a need for KCM to progressively improve basic salaries to match other industry players such as Lumwana and Kansanshi,” Chewe said.
He acknowledged that despite remaining challenges, the 13 percent salary increment and improved benefits demonstrate progress in easing cost-of-living pressures faced by union members.
The collective bargaining process was reportedly conducted in a spirit of unity among unions representing workers at KCM, including MUZ, the National Union of Miners and Allied Workers (NUMAW), and the United Mine Workers Union of Zambia (UMUZ), among others.
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