By CHATULA  KANGALI –
KONKOLA Copper Mines (KCM) has scaled up production at Nchanga Open Pit Cut II in the first quarter beating the monthly target by over 100 per cent in April and May.
The increase in production is as a result of the acquisition of new machinery which can get all the copper ore on the footwall.
This is according to the latest KCM monthly newsletter which quotes Nchanga open pit planning and technical services manager, Gubula Siaciti, as saying that production at cut II had increased due to the acquisition of the new machinery.
He told the newsletter that the acquisition of a 15 cubic metres 6030 caterpillar hydraulic excavator last year had resulted in the reduction of waste by exposing the locked up ore.
“Currently, we are mining the exposed ore and we are planning to do so until the end of this financial year.The copper being  mined here has a better grade and better  recoveries in the concentrate,” he said.
Mr Siaciti said the Nchanga Open Pit exceeded the production performance target  with 133 per cent contained copper mined against the budget plan.
“A total of 153,403 tonnes of copper ore was delivered to the mill against a budget of 150,402 tonnes. In May, the trend was the same, with the production above target,” was quoted as saying.
Mr Siaciti said that the company in may achieved 125 per cent contained copper ore mined amounting to 189,430 tonnes against a budget of 175,703 tonnes.
He said the grade for the two months was at 0.9 per cent against the budget of 0.78 per cent.
He attributed the success to team work, and sense of ownership incorporated in all the departments in ensuring that ore is delivered safely.