The Engineering Institute of Zambia EIZ has advised government not to overlook Konkola copper Mine shortcomings if the viability of the mining operation under the next investor is to be assured.

Speaking at a media briefing EIZ President Sydney Matamwandi said according to the institution findings KCM deployed under qualified expatriate personnel without the requisite competences in sensitive key management and operational positions.

Eng Matamwandi said the move worsened the inefficiencies and safety risks which resulted in low capitalization and poor levels of capital investment into the mines.

The EIZ President said the findings also showed that the mining company neglected skills transfer and development, and only relayed on expatriate personnel the approach which is unsustainable to the mine and the country at large.

Mr Mwatamwadi laments that largely the plant and equipment in use in all the mines under KCM is obsolete a situation that has resulted into inefficiencies, high down time and low output.

He further said the firm had a serious backlog in the development of reserves.

Eng Matamwandi adds that the consequence of this backlog has been a shortage of ore and feed into downstream operations, especially the smelter.