VEDANTA ENTICES MINE UNIONS

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 mine sector, Corporate Communications Director, Masuzyo Ndhlovu, has said.

Mr Ndhlovu said the investor is ready to work with the labour movement in Zambia as they promote the interests of the workers in the mining sector.

He also assured the unions that the investor will increase production capacity to realise the country’s vision target of three million metric tonnes per annum of copper.

“Plans to offer the workers at Konkola Copper Mine a 20 percent salary increment across the board and a one-off payment of K2, 500 within three months will be actualised.

“The corporate social responsibility programmes will be enhanced as is the case in South Africa, Namibia, or India. Upon Vedanta’s return to the management of KCM Board, the company will, together with all relevant stakeholders, work towards drawing up a framework of cooperation and sustainable engagement for KCM’s future Corporate Social Responsibility programmes,” Mr Ndhlovu said.

Mr. Ndhlovu also indicated that Vedanta will ensure that local suppliers and contractors are prioritised

This follows statements from the three mine unions that they would give stiff conditions to whoever wanted to start running KCM.

In a joint resolution, the unions demanded that the investor needs to recapitalise the mine business, improve the conditions of service for the local employees which have been stagnant for the past three years.

They have also demanded that the investor need to settle all outstanding debts owed to suppliers and contractors.

Meanwhile, PF Kantanshi Member of Parliament Anthony Mumba has urged the new dawn administration to be careful in its dealings with Vedanta aimed at resolving