Rising Mine Incidents Raise Concerns for Zambia’s Mining Sector
In the initial half of 2023, Zambia’s Ministry of Mines has reported a worrisome tally of 12 fatal accidents within its mining operations.
Adding to the concern, there have been 14 recorded instances of perilous accidents, as revealed by Dr. Hapenga Kabeta, the Mines and Mineral Development Permanent Secretary.
Expressing deep concern over the surge in mining accidents, Dr. Kabeta emphasized the adverse impact of these incidents on the sector’s productivity.
His remarks were made on the occasion of the inter-mine First Aid competition held at Trident Mine in Kalumbila District of the North Western Province.
During his address, Dr. Kabeta fervently urged mine operators to place utmost priority on the safety of their workforce by creating secure working environments.
He further issued a directive to the management, underscoring the necessity for comprehensive training of all employees in fundamental first aid protocols.
Simultaneously, Godwin Beene, the Country Manager of First Quantum Minerals, conveyed his perspective on the matter. He appealed to the government to institute a mechanism where mines become affiliated with the Zambia Chamber of Mines (ZCM). Such an affiliation, according to Beene, would serve as a catalyst for the propagation of optimal occupational health practices across the industry.
