The 60-day shutdown, scheduled to run until 25 July 2026, is the first major smelter shutdown at KCM in five years – drawing together more than 1,000 employees and contractors ready to tackle the demanding work ahead.
Leading the charge was Mr. Mewett, accompanied by his management team. Their tour took them through critical areas such as the Flash Smelting Furnace and the massive Acid Plant, where heavy lifting and maintenance were well underway. Mr. Mewett took the opportunity to engage with key contractors on site, reinforcing that safety remained the top priority.
He urged supervisors to maintain visible leadership and directed the 25 safety officers to be vigilant and present. “Risk assessments must be thoroughly reviewed,” he stressed. “If there’s any concern, work must pause until safety is assured.” The shutdown operations were organized into two 12-hour shifts, making smooth handovers essential to keep hazards under control.
To keep accountability tight, KCM’s Safety Department introduced a tracking system that offered regular updates on progress. This visit reaffirmed the management’s commitment to safety, operational excellence, and employee engagement, ensuring the shutdown would proceed with care and precision.
