By SYLVESTER MWALE –
KONKOLA Copper Mines (KCM) has placed on recess an additional 148 employees in response to the economic hardships triggered by low copper prices on the international market.
It is the second time the mining giant has put miners on recess after another 133 were forced to go on a break early last month due to unsustainable operations.
The Vedanta Resources owned mining company said the miners would, however, continue getting their wages for three months that they would be on the break.
KCM public relations and communications manager Shapi Shachinda said in a statement yesterday that the company had not been spared from the current poor economic environment.
“This poor economic environment has been compounded by the increasing cost of electricity arising from power generation difficulties in Zambia. As a result of these factors, certain units of KCM’s operations are not viable. After a detailed assessment, a further 148 employees at the Nchanga underground mine will also be placed on recess for three months,” he said.
KCM vice president for human capital management Jacob Njovu said the decision to stop the employees from work was not easy.
“We have taken this decision with a heavy heart. The business is currently experiencing challenges which we are working hard to resolve and to minimise negative impacts on employees and the business,” he said.
Mr Njovu said the mining company still remained wholly committed to the long-term success of the business.
He said KCM had engaged Government and the mine unions before making the decision and had received the requisite approvals.