KCM PROSPECTS BRIGHT

PLANS by Konkola Copper Mine (KCM) to increase copper production from 150,000 tonnes to 400,000 tonnes per annum are positive and should be applauded. KCM intends to boost copper production across all its operations from the current 150,000 tonnes to 400, 000 tonnes per year. The company says it wants to take advantage of the improved copper prices on the London Metal Exchange with a tonne of this much-sought after commodity fetching at over US$ 6, 700. The improvements also follow the announcement by Vedanta Resources Plc that it has invested over US$1 Billion into its subsidiary, KCM to improve mining operations. Given this development, there is every reason to appreciate the mining giant’s plans to upscale copper production considering the vast social and economic benefits that this will trigger in Chingola and other Copperbelt towns. This good news could not have come at an opportune time than now when the government is grappling with the high unemployment rate, especially among the youth, and of course, a whole lot of other challenges. As expected one of the immediate benefits this will bring about is increased job opportunities for jobless youths and former miners in Chingola, and indeed unemployed professionals who wish to work for the mining company. Obviously increased job opportunities, will result in an improved business environment because more people will be employed in the town, which in turn will push up demand for more goods and services. It is also in the same vein that the mining company is trying to outsource its work force to ensure that targets are met. The mining company has assured government and the workers that being seconded to other contractors will not affect workers’ welfare negatively as they would retain their earnings. This is one area that needs to be emphasized by the contractors themselves to convince the workers. No one will lose their job or income. This is one fact that workers need to be told. The mining company obviously needs help or it wouldn’t be seconding its workers to other companies. It is an undeniable fact that economic activities of mining towns are generally highly dependent on the performance of the mines, especially the mines are the major employers in the mining towns. In other words, improved production and efficiency of the mines translates to more positive economic spin offs such as contractual businesses who also depend on the performance of the mines. The business community in Chingola therefore have all the reasons to be happy and optimistic because they know that the planned upsurge in copper production will greatly boost and the social and economic outlook of the town. A Chingola resident rightly observes: “Yes, the economic status of this town will change once KCM reaches that level of production. Obviously they have to employ more people, which means that more of our people here will be empowered and increase their purchasing power. We applaud KCM’s plans bearing in mind this news has rekindled people’s expectations, hopes for improved livelihood and a better Chingola. We also urge the company to also upscale its social responsibility in the town to a higher level so as to even change completely change the face of this mining town to its former glory, if need be. In its hey days back then when copper production was at its peak, Chingola, used to among the cleanest and beautiful mining towns booming with various businesses that depended on the efficiency of the mines then. We hope as part of the other spin-off benefits, this will be the case. All in all, the plan will bring great respite to the locals as benefits of this plan are expected to trickle down to people from all walks of life economically and socially.