Vedanta Plans Major Smelter Upgrade to Boost Zambian Copper Output

Konkola Copper Mines (KCM), a Zambian copper mining unit controlled by Indian-owned Vedanta Resources, announced plans for a complete shutdown and refurbishment of its smelter to restore structural integrity and improve operational efficiency. The upgrade aims to significantly boost production, targeting 300,000 tons annually by 2030, a substantial increase from last year's output of less than 30,000 tons. Vedanta regained control of KCM about a year ago after resolving a prolonged dispute with Zambian authorities, committing over $1.2 billion in investments over five years for operational upgrades and debt settlements. Since resuming management, Vedanta has already invested more than $400 million, including funds earmarked for the Konkola Deep underground mining project. Zambia recently waived export taxes on 255,000 tons of copper concentrates partly because KCM’s current smelter could not process the material. The refurbishment is part of broader efforts to revitalize Zambia’s mining sector and restore KCM’s position as a major regional copper producer.