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Kansanshi Copper Mining increases production by 16%

Kansanshi Copper Mining increases production by 16%
Written by Mulimbi Mulaliki in Solwezi
Thursday, July 16, 2009 5:06:12 AM

KANSANSHI Copper Mining Plc's copper production has increased by 16 per cent in the first quarter and is expected to meet the production target for this year. And the mine achieved one million fatality free shifts from December last year.

Presenting a report of operations of the mine for the past six months to stakeholders at Floriana Lodge in Solwezi, Kansanshi Mine environmental manager Richard Zyambo said the increase in production was as a result of the sulphide circuit expansion which was commissioned last year.

"The First Quantum Group continued to weather the effects of the global meltdown. In the first quarter of the year leading indicators indicated that the rate of the weakening of the global economy might be slowing. However there was no consensus on the timing for a sustained improvement in the economic conditions," he said. "The copper price on the London Metal Exchange (LME) has recovered since December 31, 2008 with the price increasing to $2.10 per pound as at May 12, 2009. However, uncertainty remains in the future."

Zyambo said the increase in copper production to 60,838 tonnes in the first quarter of 2009 was as a result of the sulphide circuit expansion, which was commissioned last year.

He added that the cathode production was now at maximum following the completion of the fourth electro-winning tank-house and installation of the transformer required to bring the section to nameplate capacity.

"The production of the second quarter is likely to meet the budget projection," he said.

Zyambo disclosed that copper production last year was 215,300 tonnes and production for this year was expected to reach 244,000 and indicators were that the company would meet the target.

"The environmental and social management plans have been prepared in accordance with the environmental regulations of Zambia and are in line with ISO 14001 requirements" he said. "Monitoring on monthly basis is carried out on all major streams - Kansanshi, Kifubwa and Solwezi rivers. Results of this monitoring exercise are sent to the department of water affairs right here in Solwezi."

He stated that for the past six months, the mine had remained compliant with statutory requirements adding that monitoring of air quality had also continued.

"The company has continued to work as safely as possible and you might want to know that in December 2008, the mine achieved 1,000,000 fatality free shifts and the goal was to achieve 2,000,000 fatality free shifts. I am however sad to report that on Thursday July 9, 2009, this record we were aiming at was sadly interrupted when the mine recorded a fatality," said Zyambo.

Labels: COPPER, KANSANSHI MINING PLC

posted by MrK @ 4:06 AM