The National Union of Miners and Allied Workers-NUMAW, has expressed deep concern over the recent spate of mining accidents at Zambia’s largest copper producer, Konkola Copper Mines Plc (KCM) resulting in loss of lives.
KCM has recorded two ill-fated fatalities happening in rapid succession with the recent fatality involving Stephen Daka, aged 38, who lost his life at the Chingola Open Pit (COP, F&D) operations at Nchanga mine around on Monday, 21st October 2024.
The body of Daka was discovered on the ground of a section of the open pit a few meters from the dump truck he was driving in circumstances that are currently under investigation.
As the mining community grapples with the aftermath of these incidents, the demand for robust safety protocols and proactive safety measures has gained momentum.
Speaking exclusively to the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, Simujika said there was a need for KCM to prioritize capacity building and safety inductions before resuming operations because the mine had been down for so many years.
“We are saddened as the union that within a week we have lost two people at KCM due to mining accidents so the announced shutdown of some operations in mining and processing plants for specified periods to do audits in terms of safety procedures it’s welcome because you can’t have that scenario where in a chain you are losing life.”
The union has since urged the mine safety department to closely work with the mine to strengthen safety procedures and prevent further loss of life.
“All we are calling for is that let also mine safety department work together with KCM to build capacity in terms of safety So that quickly they can establish all those procedures.”
Simujika stressed the significance of ensuring the safety of the workforce, emphasizing that the recent accidents underline the pressing need to enhance safety protocols in the mine’s operations.
He stressed that the union is deeply troubled by the loss of lives and called for immediate measures to prevent future tragedies.
