KCM to spend US$4m on CSR by end of month

By BARNABAS ZULU

KONKOLA Copper Mines (KCM) has disclosed that it will spend US$4 million in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) by the end of this month.

In a statement yesterday, Acting General Manager for Corporate Affairs, Maurice Sichone, said KCM has reaffirmed its commitment to CSR by investing significantly in various community development projects. “KCM has reaffirmed its commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility by investing significantly in various community development projects,” he said.

Since Vedanta Resources Holdings Limited took over the mine in August 2024, KCM has already spent $1 million on CSR initiatives and has allocated an additional $3 million to be disbursed by the end of November. Vedanta has committed to spending $20 million annually under the newly established KCM Community Development Trust, which will oversee and implement CSR projects.

KCM Chief Operating Officer (COO), Malcolm Mewett, said the company’s support for various government, community, and sports programmes, included financial support for four football clubs – Nchanga Rangers, Konkola Blades, Aguila Stars, and Nampundwe football clubs – along with sponsorship of the inaugural Zambia Mining and Investment Insaka and the Zambia Basketball Association. 

“We were the largest single entity sponsor at the first-ever mining Insaka in October, contributing US$200, 000. We also supported the Zambia Basketball Association with K1.5 million to help them participate in a tournament in South Africa. A total of $250, 000 has been allocated per month to support the football teams,” Mr. Mewett said.

He also revealed that KCM will carry out major projects this month focusing on its four CSR pillars: health, education, sustainable livelihoods, and sport, utilising an additional $3 million. 

“We have large projects that we are rolling out this month. The Integrated Livelihood Project, which will benefit over 18, 600 people, will cost US$1.8 million, while the Roll Back Malaria Programme, targeting 65, 000 households in our areas of operation, will require almost $615, 000,” he said.

Mr. Mewett also disclosed that the Chingola Leather Cluster workshop will be revamped and equipped at a cost of $120, 000. 

“The Chingola Leather Cluster workshop will also be revamped and equipped at a cost of US$120, 000,” he said. 

Additionally, $100, 000 will be spent in partnership with the Ministry of Youth, Sports & Arts to empower youths through arts and cultural support for the forthcoming Ngoma Awards.

“We are further set to spend US$100, 000 in partnership with the Ministry of Youth, Sports & Arts to empower youths through arts & cultural support for the forthcoming Ngoma Awards,” Mr Mewett added.

KCM’s CSR Manager, Brian Siatubi, said the Integrated Livelihood Project is aimed at providing safe water and agricultural support to local communities. 

“The Integrated Livelihood project is aimed at providing safe water and agricultural support to local communities,” Mr. Siatubi noted.

KCM has partnered with the government and various non-governmental organisations to accomplish all the planned projects. 

“KCM believes these projects will significantly improve the lives of people in the communities where we are operating,” Mr. Mewett said.