Mining expert Edward Simukonda has said Vedanta Resources should never be given another chance to run the operations of Konkola Copper Mine (KCM).
Mr. Simukonda said there are many investors that would be interested in investing in KCM and Vedanta should not be the country’s focus.
He said Vedanta showed its true colours when it was given an opportunity to run KCM and Zambia should not be desperate for such an investor.
He said Zambia should forget any form of reconciliation with the investor so that the mining giant can be run by other serious investors who would be able to inject resources.
Mr Simukonda said a cruel investor like Vedanta should never be near any mine in Zambia.
He said KCM was almost grounded under the watch of the investor.
However, Zambians for Peace, Unity and Development (ZUPED) has said the decision by government to engage Vedantta and settle outside court the legal wrangles involving KCM is the only way a listening government can do.
ZUPED president Ronnie Jere has observed that such a decision was commendable and must be supported by all well meaning Zambians.
In an interview, Mr Jere said KCM cannot be sold without the involvement of Vedanta who are the legal owners.
He said allowing Vedanta back at KCM will revamp the economic activities on the Copperbelt thereby reviving the lost glory among citizens.
“At the moment Government should consider giving back KCM to Vedanta because they are the legal owners. It is commendable that President Hichilema and the New Dawn Government have resolved to deal with the legal issues involving KCM and Vedanta out of court,” he said.
Mr Jere claimed that no one can buy KCM without the involvement of Vedanta.
“The people on the Copperbelt are suffering because suppliers have not been paid and allowing Vedanta back at KCM will make sure that workers are reemployed and there will be recapitalization in the mine,” he said.
