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Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) has resumed operations at its Nchanga copper smelter in Chingola following a 106-day shutdown for a US$40 million rehabilitation programme.
KCM said on Monday it had successfully cast its first copper anode following the rehabilitation, the first major refurbishment of the smelter in more than eight years.
“The milestone marks the restart of smelting operations after a 106-day shutdown and demonstrates Vedanta Resources’ commitment to rebuilding KCM’s operational assets through sustained investment, technical expertise and strengthened maintenance practices,” the company said in a statement.
KCM Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Satish Kumar, said the rehabilitation demonstrated Vedanta’s commitment to restoring and strengthening the mine’s operational assets to support increased copper production.
“This is more than the restart of a smelter. It is visible evidence of Vedanta’s commitment to rebuilding KCM and securing the long-term future of its operations,” Kumar said.
“When Vedanta returned to KCM, the smelter required extensive rehabilitation after more than eight years without a major refurbishment. We therefore brought together the technical expertise and financial resources required to address the condition of the plant comprehensively.”
Read More: KCM reopens Chingola “B” Mine after 18 years, targets higher copper output
Kumar said extending the shutdown was a responsible decision based on safety, asset integrity and the long-term reliability of the smelter, which he said was important to safeguarding jobs.
“Having made this significant investment, we must now maintain disciplined operating and maintenance practices to keep the smelter in good condition,” he said.
“This is essential to protecting the asset, preserving equipment reliability, safeguarding our people and supporting efficient and progressively higher copper production.”
KCM Smelter and Refinery Director, Yoram Kapai, said more than 1,500 people, comprising KCM and business partner employees, were involved in the rehabilitation programme.
He said the programme was completed without a major injury, reflecting the commitment to safety by employees, contractors, consultants and business partners throughout the shutdown.
“The successful casting of the first anode is the result of careful planning, technical expertise and the collective effort of everyone involved,” Kapai said. “Our immediate priority is to stabilise operations and sustain safe, reliable and efficient performance.”
The Nchanga Smelter has an annual production capacity of 311,000 tonnes.
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