Zambia Pledges Support for KCM Expansion as Mine Pushes for Local Sourcing
Zambia Backs Konkola Copper Mines Expansion and Welcomes Vedanta Investment
The Zambian government has pledged to support the expansion of Konkola Copper Mines (KCM), while the copper producer is encouraging its suppliers to manufacture more of the goods they sell to the mine in Zambia.
Newly appointed Industry Minister Noel Nkoma made the pledge during a courtesy call by KCM Board Chairperson Dr Moses Banda and Pushpender Singla, President for Strategy and Growth at CTM/KCM.
Nkoma welcomed Vedanta Resources’ investment in KCM and said that since its return, the company had helped create jobs, support local suppliers and contractors, and contribute to community development.
He said KCM was strategically important to Zambia’s economy and that the government would continue working with the private sector to promote investment, industrialisation and job creation.
“We are committed to supporting KCM’s growth because its success is important to Zambia’s economic development,” Nkoma said.
Banda said KCM was encouraging suppliers to source or manufacture the products they supply to the mine within Zambia.
He said closer cooperation between government and industry could help translate the country’s mineral wealth into wider economic benefits.
Singla reaffirmed Vedanta’s long-term commitment to KCM. He said the investment was intended to expand mining operations while creating jobs, strengthening local businesses and supporting communities.
The discussions linked KCM’s expansion and local procurement efforts to the government’s Grow Zambia Agenda, which prioritises industrialisation and job creation.
