Zambia Lifts Suspension on Mopani’s Mufulira Mine After Safety Upgrades
Zambia Approves Resumption of Mopani Mufulira Underground Operations Following Safety Compliance
Zambia’s Minerals Regulation Commission has authorized the immediate resumption of underground operations at Mopani Copper Mines’ Mufulira mine after the company implemented enhanced safety measures.
The regulator had suspended operations the previous week, citing non-compliance with safety regulations specifically, the requirement to maintain an accurate system for tracking all underground personnel.
Compliance With Mining Regulation 218
In a statement issued Monday, the commission confirmed that Mopani had introduced new monitoring systems to meet regulatory standards.
These measures include technology designed to verify that underground areas are cleared within two hours after each shift, as well as the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems to monitor activity.
The regulator stated that the upgrades comply with Mining Regulation 218 and ensure a safer working environment for mine employees.
A spokesperson for Mopani Copper Mines was not immediately available for comment.
Ownership and Production Context
Mopani is one of Zambia’s largest copper producers. In 2024, United Arab Emirates-based International Resources Holding acquired a 51 percent stake in the company in a transaction valued at approximately $1.1 billion. The remaining shares are held by ZCCM Investments Holdings.
Zambia, Africa’s second-largest copper producer, generated about 890,000 metric tons of copper last year. The government has set an ambitious target of increasing annual output to three million metric tons by 2031, supported by new investment and expanded operations across the sector.
The reinstatement of operations at Mufulira is expected to contribute to maintaining production levels while reinforcing regulatory oversight in the country’s mining industry.
