Konkola Copper Mines says it was forced to import 46 megawatts of power from the DR Congo through the Copperbelt Energy Corporation for emergency supplies to some key areas after ZESCO cut off supplies.
KCM said in a statement that three employees who were trapped in the Number 4 Shaft at the Konkola Deeps in Chililabombwe following the power outage were rescued.
It said none of the men were harmed as its 24 megawatts emergency diesel generator set at Konkola was activated after the power outage.
It added that production at both Nchanga underground mine and Konkola mine ceased.
‘Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) lost power supply at about 19:30 hours on Monday evening, which caused significant disruption to its operations. Full power supply to KCM was restored at about 09:57 hours today, Tuesday,’ the statement read.
It said KCM’s first concern in this situation has been the safety and welfare of its employees and contractors.
‘Immediately following the power disruption, KCM’s emergency response plan was activated to protect people and equipment. Operations at our Tailings Leach Plant have equally ceased. The impact on production and financial losses is severe across KCM. The extent of the damage to equipment will be quantified at a later stage.’
Thats Zambia for you; busy dancing and borrowing but no implementation and improvements. one needs to be strong to invest in this country. its both ways nevertheless.
@jay jay
Iam not against use of solar power. On a small scale I agree but you can imagine if you were to power your stove. Life can be lost during power lose but you should understand that’s why we have standby generators for such cases. There is so much power deficit in Nigeria and Uganda. Therefore let us not be critical always.
ba fee colour you like talkin too much… black outs do happen everywhere once in a while.