KCM smelter resumes operations after 106-day shutdown

“When Vedanta returned to KCM, the smelter required extensive rehabilitation after more than eight years without a major refurbishment. We therefore brought together the technical expertise and financial resources required to address the condition of the plant comprehensively.”

Kumar said extending the shutdown was a responsible decision based on safety, asset integrity and the long-term reliability of the smelter, which he said was important to safeguarding jobs.

“Having made this significant investment, we must now maintain disciplined operating and maintenance practices to keep the smelter in good condition,” he said.

“This is essential to protecting the asset, preserving equipment reliability, safeguarding our people and supporting efficient and progressively higher copper production.”

KCM Smelter and Refinery Director, Yoram Kapai, said more than 1,500 people, comprising KCM and business partner employees, were involved in the rehabilitation programme.

He said the programme was completed without a major injury, reflecting the commitment to safety by employees, contractors, consultants and business partners throughout the shutdown.

“The successful casting of the first anode is the result of careful planning, technical expertise and the collective effort of everyone involved,” Kapai said. “Our immediate priority is to stabilise operations and sustain safe, reliable and efficient performance.”

The Nchanga Smelter has an annual production capacity of 311,000 tonnes.

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