Vedanta Visit Inspires KCM’s Push for Modern Mining
The Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) Board has drawn valuable insights from Vedanta Resources Limited’s world-class mining operations in India, as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen operational performance and align with international best practices.
Led by Board Chairperson Dr Moses Banda, the delegation toured several Vedanta operations in October, focusing on how the global mining and metals conglomerate has built and sustained profitable enterprises across its diverse portfolio.
During the visit, the KCM Board engaged with Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL), Vedanta’s flagship operation, to gain first-hand experience of its advanced mining systems, safety culture, and community development initiatives.
“It was good to see how Vedanta organises its operations. The E2E model is well structured, and I was particularly impressed with the CSR activities. We thank the teams at Hindustan Zinc and across Vedanta for making the visit both impactful and inspiring,” said Dr Banda.
One of the major highlights of the tour was a visit to the Sindesar Khurd Mine (SKM), part of HZL, which is recognised as the world’s largest and deepest underground zinc mine. Over the past twelve years, SKM has evolved from a small-scale operation into a fully automated facility powered by advanced digital and artificial intelligence systems, eliminating most manual processes.
Manuj Singh, a Mining Engineer at Vedanta Industries, noted similarities between SKM and Zambia’s Konkola Deep Mining Project (KDMP), particularly in depth and technical complexity, though differing in geological conditions.
“SKM may be almost the same depth as Konkola, but it is not as wet. At Konkola, you are mining water with copper as a by-product,” Singh remarked.
The SKM team expressed confidence that KCM’s KDMP could reach similar levels of operational excellence within four years by leveraging Vedanta’s expertise in deep mining, water management, and the design of advanced dewatering systems.
In a proud moment for Zambia, the delegation met Mr Kumwenda, a Zambian professional working with one of SKM’s business partners at the mine’s deepest level, where he contributes to drilling operations, a strong testament to Zambian talent on the global mining stage.
KCM Board member Dr Diana Kangwa commended the high level of automation at SKM, noting how it enhances safety and promotes gender diversity in engineering.
“I was amazed that 21 percent of engineering professionals are women, with a goal of reaching 30 percent. I was also inspired by a 22-year-old woman managing the entire underground control room. Vedanta is truly deliberate in empowering women,” Dr Kangwa said.
