The three mineworkers’ unions have charged that Vedanta Resources PLC should go as they failed lamentably to run Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) one of African’s largest integrated copper producers.
The three unions namely Mineworkers Union of Zambia (MUZ) United Mine Workers Union of Zambia (UMUZ)and National Union of Miners and Allied Workers (NUMAW) unanimously agreed that government should let Vedanta go.
Speaking at a press briefing in Kitwe this afternoon, MUZ president Joseph Chewe said Vedanta has failed to carry out mining operations at KCM and has instead resorted to selling scrap metal which is not part of mandate according to their mining license.
Mr Chewe charged that Vedanta should pack and go and pave way for a viable investor to take up mining operations at the mine adding that this is the only way to save Chingola and Mufulira towns from becoming hunger-stricken towns.
He emphasized that KCM needs a responsible investor will be able to drive the mining firm and has since called on other stakeholders to come on board and help drive Vedanta out of the country.
He said the unions will not be decapitated but instead will continue to speak out with fear of the happenings at KCM.
Mr Chewe wondered why government has been quite on the issue of KCM when the minister in charge of the mines has worked in the mines before.
And UMUZ President Wisdom Ngwira said KCM should concentrate and operate according to the provisions mining license as this is the only way to increase production in the mines.
He added that workers are of the view that all those retired by dubious means should be given a lump sum payment rather than them money in bits.