ALLOW KCM TO OPERATE WITHOUT POLITICAL INTERFERENCE
…..if it is to become viable & contribute meaningfully to nation’s socio economic development, says ANDD
Lusaka… Wednesday April 16, 2025 (SMART EAGLES)
The Advocates for National Development and Democracy (ANDD) has urged the Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) and all other stakeholders to whom the mine is indebted to exercise patience and allow the new management to bring the operation back to full capacity.
And the organization has called on all stakeholders to allow KCM to operate without political interference if it is to become viable and contribute meaningfully to Zambia’s nation’s socio economic development.
ANDD Executive Director Samuel Banda says his organization has recognised that Konkola Copper Mines was only recently returned to Vedanta in 2024.
Mr Banda said rushing to court in an effort to resolve outstanding debts threatens to derail the progress made so far in resuscitating this strategic national asset.
He emphasized that KCM had remained largely inactive for nearly five years, and it is only fair that it be given the opportunity to fully re-establish operations before legal processes are considered.
“As the Advocates for National Development and Democracy (ANDD), we stand with the majority of Zambians in expressing our hope that KCM returns to optimal operation. A fully functional KCM will boost our economy, generate much needed employment, create business opportunities, and promote trade and industrial growth,” he told Smart Eagles.
“We respectfully appeal to His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema to apply his renowned business acumen and negotiation expertise to mediate the debt challenges between KCM and CEC. We believe sustainable solutions are forged in boardrooms, not courtrooms. Mining revival cannot be achieved through litigation, but through collaborative economic development.”
He said his organization holds unwavering confidence in President Hichilema’s leadership and his dedication to fostering dialogue, development, and unity.
“We trust in his ability to steer both parties toward a resolution that serves the interest of the nation and its people,” he concluded.
#SmartEagles2025
ALLOW KCM TO OPERATE WITHOUT POLITICAL INTERFERENCE
