KCM focuses on increasing production

Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) vice-president for Local Economic Development David Paterson says the mining giant’s focus for survival is currently on reducing costs and increasing production.

Mr. Paterson disclosed that KCM is investing in various areas of production such as on Cat 2 and F and D areas of the Chingola open pit in order to expand and increase production.

He says the investment at the open-pit includes the purchase of excavators, Tipper trucks and other equipment which would help to increase production.

Mr. Paterson says the current increase of the Copper price at the London Mental Exchange (LME) is another development that brings hope to the mining company.

He notes that this is despite the increase being insignificant as what KCM would like to see is a situation where the price continued to go up and stabilize at some point.

And Mr. Paterson says Nchanga Underground Mine is on Care and Maintenance due to high cost of production.

Mr. Paterson says the mine needs to be making meaningful revenues to remain viable.