Vedanta Resources has named Chris Griffith, a seasoned South African mining expert, to oversee its base metals division, which encompasses recently reacquired Zambian copper mines. Griffith, who previously served as the CEO of Gold Fields but left after an unsuccessful bid to acquire Canadian Yamana Gold, has a substantial career background at Anglo American. During his time there, he played a key role in restructuring and reviving Anglo-American Platinum, and he also managed Kumba Iron Ore.
In his new role at Vedanta, Griffith will be responsible for the base metals unit, which includes zinc mines in Namibia and South Africa, an iron ore operation in Liberia, and the oversight of processing businesses in the Middle East and India. As a mining engineer, Griffith is likely to prioritize the revitalization of Konkola Copper Mines, which Vedanta regained control of after a prolonged dispute with Zambian authorities over ownership.
Griffith expressed his enthusiasm for driving innovation, operational efficiency, and sustainable growth in Vedanta's base metals segment. He aims to position KCM (Konkola Copper Mines) as a pivotal asset for the company and extend the group's global presence.
Vedanta has committed to investing approximately $1 billion in its Zambian operations, particularly focusing on recapitalizing some of its underground mines, as stated by Mines Minister Paul Kabuswe on September 5.
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