Copper mining and metals company Konkola Copper Mines (KCM), in Zambia, restocked its Mushishima stream, in Chingola, with 50 000 fingerlings and launched a tree-planting programme at the Chingola Prison and selected local schools, in June.

Fingerlings are young salmon or trout fishes that have been developed to about the size of a finger.

Chingola district commissioner George Sichula officiated at the two events to mark World Environment Day, noting that the gesture by KCM is a mark of a good corporate citizen, as it is in line with government’s policy to boost the availability of food and to preserve the environment.

He added that KCM was contributing to a noble cause through restocking the river with fingerlings and the planting of trees.

Since 2009, KCM has restocked 180 000 fingerlings in the Kafue river and its tributary, Mushishima stream, through fish restocking programmes which were carried out in conjunction with the Mwekera Research Centre. Sichula mentioned that he was pleased that KCM had also planted 53 134 trees between 2007 and 2012.

Mwekera Research Centre, near Kitwe, was built by the Fish Culture Development Project in the mid-1980s. It has a good water supply throughout the year and it is now being developed with Japanese International Cooperation Agency assistance into a national aquaculture research and development centre. A fish breeding station, including hatchery, has been constructed and equipped. Also, a genetic bank of carp and tilapia broodstock has been established and is being maintained.

Last year, KCM signed an agreement with the Ministry of Lands, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection, and the Department of Forestry, which will culminate in the planting of one-million trees in the next ten years.

KCM processing GM Enock Mponda points out that the company will continue to contribute to environmental programmes, particularly in the areas around the Konkola operations.

“KCM prioritises environmental captaincy in all our operation areas. “This is an undertaking we have always paid attention to, as demonstrated in our regular fish restocking programmes. The fish restocking exercise has become an important means for KCM to stimulate and focus global attention on the environment and to encourage political attention and action,” adds Mponda.

Mponda advises fishermen against using illegal fishing methods which are depleting fish stocks.

Meanwhile, KCM has received two excellence awards from South Africa-based research group PMR-Africa in recognition of its investments in Zambia’s mining industry.

The PMR-Africa conferred on KCM a Diamond Arrow Award for being the outstanding mining company in efforts to stimulate Zambia’s economic growth and development in 2012 through its investments.

KCM has invested over $2.7-billion, since 2004, including in the flagship Konkola deep mining project and the Upper Ore Body project at Nchanga mine, which together have ensured an extended mine life of more than 35 years.

KCM, which provides education, runs ultramodern health institutions and supports sustainable livelihood programmes, also received a Silver Arrow Award for companies held in high esteem as good corporate citizens, at a ceremony, held in Lusaka, recently.

The awards were given following a random sample survey comprising 110 MDs and CEOs of companies operating in Zambia, owners of companies and senior government officials in the nationwide survey.

Commenting on the honours, CEO Jeyakumar Janakaraj said it was an honour for KCM to receive the recognition and that the company would continue to expand by investing in new projects to help fulfil Zambia’s development plans.

“It is humbling that our efforts are recognised by senior captains of industry and government. It gives us a boost to continue to contribute to the development of Zambia, and to ensure that we provide value to the citizens of this country, the shareholders of KCM and its employees,” Janakaraj said, adding that KCM was on course to completing its projects aimed at adding greater value to Zambia’s economy.