Thousand jobs put on hold as KCM announces 60days shut down of Nchanga Smelter

Konkola Copper Mines Plc has announced the commencement of a planned 60-day shutdown of the Nchanga Smelter as part of a comprehensive maintenance and repair programme. KCM Acting Chief Executive Officer Malcolm Mewett said the shutdown aims to enhance operational efficiency, reliability and long-term production performance across its operations. In a notice, Mewett informed business partners, stakeholders, employees and the general public of the scheduled works on Tuesday.

He said the shutdown forms part of the company’s broader rebuilding and modernisation strategy designed to strengthen mining and processing operations. “KCM commenced a planned 60-day shutdown of the Nchanga Smelter to undertake critical maintenance works that will enhance operational effectiveness and improve overall plant reliability,” Mewett said. He explained that the programme is a deliberate step to restore key infrastructure and position the business for sustainable production growth.

“This programme represents an important milestone in our ongoing rebuilding and repair efforts as we continue to restore key infrastructure and position the business for sustainable production growth,” Mewett stated. He said the maintenance works are being scheduled to minimize disruption while ensuring the smelter operates optimally within design parameters. Mewett reaffirmed the company’s commitment to strengthening operational performance as part of efforts to increase copper production and secure long-term viability.

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The 60-day shutdown will see KCM focus on critical repairs and upgrades expected to improve reliability of the smelting plant going forward. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.

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