EXCLUSIVE: Zambian government orders liquidation of Vedanta’s KCM; awaits legal approval [UPDATE]

The Zambian government has filed an official document to the High Court to liquidate the assets of Konkola Copper Mines (KCM), which is majority-owned by Vedanta Resources.

The government has called for the appointment of Milingo Lungu to act as the provisional liquidator, according to the document dated Tuesday May 21 and seen by Fastmarkets.

It is ordered that the provisional liquidator may take over the business of KCM, the operator of a 310,000 tonne per year copper smelter and major mines including Nchanga and Konkola in Zambia.

It is unclear whether all of the company’s assets will be included in the liquidation.

“Vedanta Resources and Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) are aware of media reports that Zambian state-owned company ZCCM-IH has obtained an order against KCM,” Vedanta said in a media statement later on Tuesday afternoon.

“ZCCM-IH owns 20.6% of KCM and has its nominees on the company’s board. Vedanta and KCM reiterate their request for an immediate and urgent meeting with Mr Edgar Lungu, President of Zambia, to discuss the matter,” the company added.

Additional reporting by Archie Hunter.

[This article was first published at 12pm and was updated to include comments released in a media statement from Vedanta Resources.]

What to read next
Explore the base metals outlook 2026 and learn how market trends are impacting copper, tin, and other metals this year.
Fastmarkets proposes to amend the pricing frequency of its copper grade A cathode premium, delivered Germany; copper grade A cathode premium, cif Leghorn; and copper EQ cathode premium, cif Europe to one a week from the current fortnightly basis, effective December 30.
Find out how copper smelters are addressing demand challenges with innovative strategies at the Resourcing Tomorrow conference.
Explore Mercuria's new African copper joint venture with Gecamines, enhancing copper trade transparency and pricing.
Glencore copper output expected to drop as production difficulties at Collahuasi mine hinder 2026 forecast adjustments.
Explore the latest updates on Rio Tinto copper production, including its ambitious targets for 2025 and 2026.