Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) has successfully produced its first copper anode at the Nchanga Smelter following a $40 million overhaul, the facility’s first major refurbishment in over eight years.

In a statement, the milestone marks the restart of smelting operations after a 106-day shutdown and demonstrates Vedanta Resources’ commitment to rebuilding KCM’s operational assets through sustained investment, technical expertise and strengthened maintenance practices.

“This is more than the restart of a smelter. It is visible evidence of Vedanta’s commitment to rebuilding KCM and securing the long-term future of its operations,” said KCM Deputy Chief Executive Officer Satish Kumar

Kumar noted that the rehabilitation demonstrates Vedanta’s resolve to restore and strengthen KCM’s operational assets to support improved copper production adding that extending the shutdown was a responsible decision based on safety, asset integrity and the long-term reliability of the smelter to safeguard and secure the jobs.

“When Vedanta returned to KCM, the smelter required extensive rehabilitation after more than eight years without a major refurbishment. We therefore brought together the technical expertise and financial resources required to address the condition of the plant comprehensively.”

Meanwhile, KCM Smelter and Refinery Director Yoram Kapai said the rehabilitation programme involved more than 1500 people comprising both KCM and business partner employees.

“The successful casting of the first anode is the result of careful planning, technical expertise and the collective effort of everyone involved,” Kapai said. “Our immediate priority is to stabilise operations and sustain safe, reliable and efficient performance.”

The Nchanga Smelter currently has an annual production capacity of 311,000 tonnes.

Mineworkers Union of Zambia Nchanga Branch Chairman Ernest Lesa has since commended management and the workforce for successfully completing the major shutdown.

Lesa called for the health, safety and operational standards established during the rehabilitation programme to be maintained and strengthened.