Vedanta Resources Limited says it is confident that it will be given another chance to run Konkola Copper Mines (KCM).
Company Corporate Communications Director Masuzyo Ndhlovu said the way the former Patriotic Front (PF) government handled the KCM matter was wrong because it did not fulfill the dispute resolution process.
Speaking in an interview with the Zambian Business Times-ZBT, Ndhlovu explained that there is a right channel of handling differences and wrongs but in this case, the previous government just went ahead and liquidated the mine without following the right procedure, which Vedanta is tirelessly contesting in court.
Asked whether President Hakainde Hichilema’s statements of not giving back the mine to Vedanta were discouraging the company’s efforts, Ndhlovu said the President is on one side but the matter would be determined by the courts.
“He can say that but then there is also the legal process to it, if one is aggrieved and not satisfied with certain things you take the matters to the court so that it is addressed in a partial and objective manner. So it’s something which the courts can determine in an objective way and once the courts make their decision, we go by that decision”, he said.
“We want the mine back; We are still in that process of trying to get the mine back, we are positive about it because in the first place the way it was done was wrong at the point of litigation and if there is any wrong of any sort, we will iron out those wrongs at that point”, he said.
Ndhlovu noted that Vedanta is committed to working with the Mine Workers Union of Zambia, National Union of Miners and Allied Workers and the United Mine Workers Union of Zambia for the betterment of the sector.
He added the unions called for the recapitalization of the operations which include exploration, equipment replacement and operationalisation of the Konkola Deep Mining Project and also want improved condition of services for employees and a well-defined Corporate Social Responsibility.
The Corporate Communications Director said it is the intention of Vedanta to ensure that Zambian small businesses are prioritized in its supply chain and that KCM will put in place a procurement programme aimed at providing support and medium-term contracts.
Ndhlovu mentioned that measurable, impactful Corporate Social Responsibility programmes will be enhanced as is the case in South Africa, Namibia, or India and crucial support to the hospitals, clinics, schools through scholarships, livestock, and promotion of youth development programmes, training and sports development, including football sponsorship will be provided.
