YALUMA

By MAYA NTANDA-
THE Mine Workers Union of Zambia (MUZ) has described as regrettable the revelations that Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) mismanaged its resources.
On Sunday, Mines Minister, Christopher Yaluma said some of the findings in the forensic Audit Report of KCM indicate that the mining company had mismanaged its operations and failed to meet its production targets.
Mr Yaluma said the mine also claimed that it had mechanised its operations, to allow it retrench about 1,529 employees, a move that Government blocked.
In reaction, MUZ president Nkole Chishimba said it was saddening that a company expected to exhibit integrity, and professionalism could misuse resources in such a manner.
Mr Chishimba said Zambians relied on KCM and therefore it was regrettable that the company had been telling lies about its operations.
“It is regrettable and saddening that KCM, a company we depended upon, trusted and expected to exhibit integrity can behave like that, we have been vindicated because we expressed concerns about the manner the mining giant has been operating,” he said.
Mr Chishimba also cautioned Government to be vigilant and take an interest in the operations of every company to avoid institutions failing to meet their targets.
“KCM has not been meeting their targets, so we wonder where the Government was at the time when resources where being mismanaged,” he said.
Zambia General Contractors, Suppliers, Transporters and Scrap Metals dealers Association president, Kidson Mwandila said the Vendanta Resources-owned mine has not been truthful to Zambians.
Mr Mwandila said it was unfortunate that KCM was found wanting in mismanaging its operations when it has been demanding for discounts from contractors, suppliers and transporters.