Pastor Charles Chileshya, a concerned citizen, has urged Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) to verify and secure their site boundaries, prevent encroachment, and provide transparent information about the status of TD3 and other copper-bearing assets.
Pastor Chileshya emphasized that KCM must engage with stakeholders, including local communities and employees, to ensure concerns are heard and addressed.
He expressed deep concern about encroachments and illegal mining in KCM areas, highlighting the need for immediate attention to security boundary markings and potential encroachment of KCM’s facilities, particularly tailings dams like TD3.
The pastor noted that incidents of illegal mining have resulted in loss of life in Chingola, underscoring the urgency of addressing these concerns.
To address these issues, Pastor Chileshya recommended that KCM:
– Verify and secure site boundaries, ensuring all dumpsites, including TD3, are properly marked and secured to prevent unauthorized access.
– Address concerns under Vedanta’s leadership to ensure the well-being of the community and safeguard assets and facilities for the people of Zambia.
Pastor Chileshya also expressed alarm about rumors of a possible hostile takeover of TD3 by disgruntled individuals or groups, emphasizing the need for KCM to take immediate action with government support to prevent such acts.
He concluded by calling for collective action to address these concerns and urging the government to create a conducive business environment for all.