Mopani Copper Mines has confirmed a fatal acccident at the Smelter Concentrate Shed in Mufulira, which occurred on Tuesday, 22 March 2022 around 16:00 hours.
According to information made available to the Zambian Business Times – ZBT by Mopani Public Relations Manager Nebert Mulenga, the Accident happened when a team of contractor employees were working on the Concentrate Shed, and one of them, Mr. Anderson Mwaba, aged 35 years accidentally fell through the roof and sustained fatal injuries.
Mopani Copper Mines says it is working closely with the Safety Department, Zambia Police Service and other relevant authorities to investigate what could have caused this tragic accident.
Meanwhile Operations at the Smelter Concentrate Shed where this incident happened have been suspended until further notice. Mopani Copper Mines Management has since expressed its deepest condolences and has pledged to render support to the family and colleagues of the deceased during the difficult time.
This is the second time Mopani is recording the fatal accident this week with the first incident at the south ore body-sob shaft in Kitwe which occurred on Sunday 20th March 2022 around 13:00 hours involving a 45 year old boiler maker, Mr. Justin Nsakanya.
The Zambian Government is yet to make clear the way forward for Mopani Copper Mines As well as Konkola Copper Mines – KCM, with some stakeholders calling for the government to support the local management of the mine as opposed to turning it over to foreign investors.