By CHUSA SICHONE –

MINES Minister Christopher Yaluma has charged that it is wrong for Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) to send 148 employees on recess without consulting the Government.
Mr Yaluma said KCM’s move had prompted the Government, through the ministries of Mines and Labour, among others, to call for a meeting with the mining firm’s management to be held on a date to be announced later.
Mr Yaluma said in an interview yesterday that the Government did not condone retrenchment of workers, saying although mining companies were facing operational challenges, it was not right for them to rush to lay off workers without seeking guidance from the Government.
“KCM hasn’t approached us. Just as much as we do realise the challenges being faced by the mining houses here in the country, that is the plummeting copper prices, which is more primary and secondary than power issues, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they (KCM) can go unilaterally and push the people out before they come and talk to us,” he said.
Mr Yaluma said he had informed KCM management about the proposed meeting but was waiting for a feedback on their availability, saying he would issue a comprehensive statement on the matter.
KCM on Friday announced that it had placed 148 workers at the Nchanga underground mine on recess for three months, citing operational challenges triggered by, among others, increasing cost of electricity arising from power generation difficulties in Zambia.
KCM public relations and communications manager Shapi Shachinda said in a statement, however, that the 148 workers would continue getting their wages during the three months that they would be on break.