By MAYA NTANDA –

KONKOLA Copper Mines (KCM) says it is yet to make a decision on whether or not to place Nchanga Mine in Chingola under care and maintenance.
KCM public relations and communications manager, Shapi Shachinda said the mining industry was facing challenges as a result of low copper prices globally and the mining giant has had to review its loss-making assets.
Mr Shachinda said in a statement issued yesterday that KCM was a responsible employer and remained committed to its Zambian operations.
He said the company had a strong reserve base and a world-class asset portfolio, having invested US$3 billion in upgrading and expanding its facilities over the last decade.
Mr Shachinda said the company was mindful of the potential impact of its decisions on the lives of people involved in its business and was seeking to preserve as many jobs as possible.
“The global copper mining industry is currently facing serious challenges due to low prices. As a result, KCM has to review its loss-making assets. The Nchanga underground operations are currently making unsustainable losses.
“KCM is one of Zambia’s most significant employers. The company is mindful of the potential impact of its decisions on the lives of people involved in its business and is seeking to preserve as many KCM jobs as possible,” he said.
The Post newspaper in yesterday’s edition reported that KCM would this week place the Nchanga Underground Mine on care and maintenance and that 2,503 contract employees would be laid off immediately.
Mr Shachinda said in the spirit of consultation, KCM met with the three major unions representing KCM employees, where it presented a detailed analysis of the status of its Nchanga underground operation.
He said at that meeting, KCM agreed not to take any steps until it received feedback from the unions.
Mr Shachinda said the company had a 50-year vision for its operations in Zambia.