Non-operations at KCM to cost 400 jobs

OVER 400 workers of Master Mine Service, a contractor at Konkola Copper Mine (KCM) on the Copperbelt will this month end lose their jobs due to lack of operations at the mine.

Chishala Mwamba, coordinator of a grouping calling itself “Vedanta Must Return Community Campaign Movement” said the loss of jobs at Master Mine Service, the largest contractor at KCM was troubling.

Mr Mwamba said in an interview people whose contracts had been terminated will join hundreds of others who are jobless, with no indication of when normalcy will return to KCM as had previously been indicated that KCM’s legal challenges would be resolved by the end of the first quarter but there was still no clear resolution in sight.

“As Zambia navigates its way out of an economic downturn and widespread poverty, it is disheartening to observe an increasing number of individuals facing unemployment daily,” Mr Mwamba said.

He said the communities of Chingola and Chililabombwe depended heavily on mining for economic sustainability and so the impact of job losses will be felt acutely.

“This situation affects everyone, including children and women whose parents and spouses have lost their jobs. Chingola and Chililabombwe are facing one of the worst crises in years. The escalation in the prices of goods and services, soaring crime rates, skyrocketing poverty levels, high unemployment, rampant illegal mining, and increasing prostitution are all indicators of a local economy in distress,” Mr Mwamba said.

He said it was imperative for the government and relevant authorities to accelerate the process of allowing Vedanta Resources to assume control of KCM as soon as possible.

In a letter of notice to employees signed by a Musaba Twila, the Senior Human Resources Officer at Master Mine Service, it stated that due to diminishing of operations at KCM, the workers’ services will no longer be required and the employment contract will be terminated on the April 26, 2024.