The Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) Nampundwe Mine, a pyrite mine in Shibuyunji District, has steadily increased production since the beginning of the 2020/2021 Financial Year in April, breaking a decade long production record during the second quarter of the year.
KCM General Manager for Corporate Affairs Shapi Shachinda said prior to April 2020, the mine was producing around 2,000 tonnes of pyrite per month with the change coming in April and May when it produced over 4,000 tonnes before hitting the 5,000 tonnes mark in June.
Mr Shachinda noted that the Nampundwe pyrite mine has not produced more than 5,000 tonnes of pyrite in the past 10 years. The previous highest monthly production was 4,100 tonnes per month in 2011. Pyrite is a mineral containing Iron and Sulphur, which is used in the process of smelting copper at the Nchanga smelter in Chingola.
At the start of the financial year in April, the business plan was to ramp up production to 4,000 tonnes per month, but the increase in the demand for the commodity at the Nchanga Smelter, and other customers, necessitated a revision of the plan to ramp-up production to 5,500 tonnes per month by October and, 54,247 tonnes for the year.
Mr Shachinda said, “In July, the mine produced the record breaker of 5,216 tonnes against a target of 3,997 tonne for the month.”
“The increase in production has been achieved through Management’s sustained focus and support to production teams in the last one year, and the support of the hard-working employees,” he added.
He noted that this performance is the result of the combined teamwork of all Nampundwe employees and contractors, and associated Suppliers. The mine is current with payments for labour hire and mining standards are improving, especially available underground ore stocks.
Mr Shachinda also noted that the mine is in a much better position now since last year, with a sustainable future.
Great development. Unfortunately on such positive articles you won’t find a single comment from the evil hateful ugly diasporan. They are gnashing their teeth thinking bad things will lead to their privatisation crook winning election.
Thanks Mr Zulu for the positive observation it’s really quite depressing for me especially as I am a Zambian in Diaspora in England to read so many negative unsubstantiated accusations of our government online media that I have actually stop reading most publications so your contributions as come as a source of pleasure and pride
PF road-building programme won’t respond to that. Here’s a small place Zambia has been mining from since 1967 and therefore deriving economic benefit but has somehow been forgotten. Wht’s going on in Zambia? Do all parts of the country count? PF tribalism is clear. ECL has divided the country in a way we hv not seen before.
Why’s Nampundwe road not being worked on? It hasn’t even been graded. HH the number one enemy of the PF doesn’t live there.
Why’s Nampundwe road not being worked on? It hasn’t even been graded. HH the number one enemy of the PF doesn’t live there.
@KZ
A two man quarry here produces what you are considering as national news….
This is only achievement for VERY SMALL MINDS over 50 years after independence. You must be ashamed of yourselves.
@KZ
A two man quarry here produces what you are considering as national news….
This is only achievement for VERY SMALL MINDS over 50 years after independence. You must be ashamed of yourselves.
Bravo to kcm nampundwe. The only number one thing required in the area is to redo the tarmac which has been brought to a gravel grade.