KCM Employees Save $175,000 Through My Ideas@KCM Programme
Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) has celebrated innovation, collaboration, and operational excellence at its My Ideas@KCM Recognition Ceremony, highlighting the company’s commitment to continuous improvement under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Malcolm Mewett.
The My Ideas@KCM initiative empowers employees to contribute practical solutions that enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and strengthen safety and environmental performance, reflecting the company’s Business Excellence agenda.
During the ceremony, held at the Nchanga General Offices in Chingola, Mr. Mewett recognised four employees whose innovative thinking led to the successful reclamation of redundant rails from a decommissioned tank house for underground use.
The initiative is estimated to have saved the company approximately $175,000 while improving operational flexibility and safety.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Mewett praised the programme for inspiring employees and business partners to contribute meaningful ideas across key areas such as finance, safety, environment, and operational efficiency.
He emphasised that the initiative aims to cultivate a culture of innovation, encouraging staff to submit ideas that improve operations, enhance resource utilisation, minimise waste, and ultimately deliver measurable cost savings while safeguarding people and the environment.
“No idea is too small or too big. Continued encouragement from leadership is essential to keep the flow of ideas strong,” Mr. Mewett said, commending the leadership at Nchanga Underground and the project team for their ingenuity.
KCM Programme Management Officer, Mr. Allam Kasanda, shared insights on the initiative’s performance, noting that 129 ideas had been submitted across all business units, with 119 assessed so far.
Of these, 18 have been approved for implementation, 96 were not successful, and six have been sent back for refinement. An additional 12 ideas remain under review, demonstrating a strong and ongoing pipeline of innovation within the organisation.
Mr. Kasanda added that the success of the initiative lays a solid foundation for future campaigns focused on operational excellence and enhanced employee engagement.
The rail reclamation project stands as the first successfully completed initiative under the programme, clearly illustrating the tangible value of employee-driven innovation.
Management has commended Mr. Brian Zulu, Mr. Vincent Mwamba, Mr. Daniel Lombanya, and Mr. Chico Chico for their exceptional contribution and forward-thinking approach.
