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EU envoy hails KCM's modern mining methods

EU envoy hails KCM's modern mining methods
By Kabanda Chulu
Mon 18 June 2012, 13:24 CAT

EU AMBASSADOR to Zambia Gilles Hervio has expressed optimism that the implementation of modern mining methods and presence of brilliant professionals will result in the country attaining higher standards in mining.

According to a statement released on Friday after touring Konkola Copper Mines, Ambassador Hervio stated that the visit gave him a good insight about mining in Zambia.

"I now have a different image of mining from what I have had in Lusaka. I have a positive image to see that Zambia has modern mining methods, with brilliant professionals who will help the country to get to the highest level required in mining," Ambassador Hervio said.

He said the external picture on mining companies had usually been mainly about lack of transparency and pollution to the environment, contrary to the level of investments by companies like KCM in modern and environmentally-friendly technology.

"I have seen an impressive quality on the social side. This is very useful for the country and should be emulated by other companies," Ambassador Hervio stated.

"I am impressed with this visit, we have received a lot of clarification and I see a choice by KCM and other mine operators to use modern technology, limit environmental damage and ensure safety, there is also transparency with figures."

Ambassador Gilles was accompanied on his two-day mission by Christian Peters, the economic advisor at the EU delegation to Zambia and Anwar Ravat, the operations adviser for mining at the World Bank Zambia office. The trio held talks with KCM chief executive officer Jeyakumar Janakaraj and senior management staff.

KCM's total spend on CSR since London-listed Vedanta Resources Plc took over the mine in 2004 is about K450 billion and is also the largest private sector employer in the country with more than 22,000 workers.

KCM operates the Nchanga Smelter in Chingola, which captures 99.6 per cent sulphur dioxide and part of the company's US$2.5 billion capital expenditure since 2004 has gone into mine expansions and putting up new concentrators and a refinery at Nkana, which are friendly to the environment.

Labels: EU, KCM, MINING

posted by MrK @ 3:27 PM