ANDD OBSERVES IMPROVED WORKING CONDITIONS, JOB OPPORTUNITIES AT KCM

By Cecilia Chiluba

Advocates for National Development and Democracy (ANDD) has observed an improvement in working conditions at Konkola Copper Mine (KCM), as employee salaries have increased by 20%.

Organization Executive Director Samuel Banda observed that job opportunities for Zambians are steadily increasing, restoring hope among Copperbelt communities that had been severely affected by years of operational stagnation at the mine.
Mr. Banda noted that local businesses that previously collapsed are now being revived, while new opportunities for contractors, suppliers, and service providers are emerging.

He stated that since regaining operational control of KCM, Vedanta has embarked on an ambitious programme to revitalize the mine’s operations.

“ANDD is pleased to note the encouraging progress being made in the mining sector, particularly at KCM under the management of the global mining investor, Vedanta Resources.”

“This resurgence is boosting commerce and trade across the region and contributing to government revenue generation, which in turn supports other critical sectors such as health, agriculture, and energy,” Mr. Banda stated.

He said the Organization is encouraged to note that Vedanta has also allocated a budget of US$20 million, towards resumption and expansion of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

“Investments are being channeled into health, education, and community infrastructure, with health centers, schools, and local projects experiencing renewed growth.”

“These efforts reflect Vedanta’s commitment not only to mining but also to the broader social and economic welfare of communities surrounding KCM,” he noted.

Mr. Banda emphasized the need for stakeholders, including political leaders, to recognize that unlocking the full potential of a complex mining operation such as KCM is not an overnight process.

He explained that being capital intensive, mining investments require meticulous planning, and often take time to achieve full operational stability and profitability, especially after years of inactivity.

According to KCM Chief Corporate Affairs Officer John Kunda, Vedanta has this year committed US$330 million toward asset revitalization of which US$50 million was injected in March, while US$74 million is scheduled for July, and US$206 million is targeted for December, 2025.