New Delhi, June 8 (IANS) Vedanta Resources has run into a credibility test in the US listing of its copper business, with auditors flagging concerns over the financial viability of its main asset, which has been piling up losses, according to a regulatory filing.

The mining group has filed for an initial public offering (IPO) of CopperTech Metals Inc, a US-domiciled entity that owns and operates Vedanta’s Zambian copper mines and is expected to list on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker CUX. Vedanta aims to tap global investors through the CopperTech IPO to fund a large-scale expansion of its copper business.

At the heart of the listing is Konkola Copper Mines, one of Zambia’s largest copper assets, which CopperTech owns and operates. However, auditors have warned that Konkola’s financial condition raises “substantial doubt” about its ability to continue as a going concern, highlighting a key risk for prospective investors.

Konkola reported operating losses of $302.4 million in the year ended March 2025, followed by a $46.9 million loss in the year ended March 2026. Cash flows from operations have remained in deficit across both years, reflecting the strain on the business.

While the company had cash reserves of $154.1 million as of March 2026, the filing indicates that liquidity visibility remains limited without continued financial support. Vedanta has stepped in with a commitment to provide a $1 billion capital expenditure support facility, alongside a formal undertaking to back the business for at least the next 12 months.

The company’s own disclosures suggest that funding assumptions beyond that period remain uncertain and dependent on execution and external financing conditions.

The IPO is expected to play a key role in supporting CopperTech’s $2.7 billion investment programme aimed at enhancing copper production, including the development of the Konkola deep mining project and upgrades to processing infrastructure.

Operations have begun to improve following a steep production decline during a period when the mine was under provisional liquidation. Output has since stabilised, with a higher production run rate under Vedanta’s management. However, profitability and consistent positive cash flow remain elusive.

The filing also highlights potential downside risks. CopperTech may need to raise additional debt or equity beyond the IPO. Any debt financing could come with restrictive covenants and higher costs, while equity raises could dilute existing shareholders.

Failure to secure adequate funding could force restructuring or even lead to a shutdown of operations, posing a risk of significant value erosion for investors.

–IANS

sps/vd