Mineworkers Union demands comprehensive audit of safety standards as two die in 48 hours

The Mineworkers Union of Zambia (MUZ) says the death of two miners at Lubambe Copper Mine and Mopani Copper Mines in Chililabombwe and Mufulira point to systemic safety and operational gaps in the mining sector.

The two fatal mine accidents occurred between January 31 and February 1, 2026 at Mopani Copper Mines’ Mufulira plant and Lubambe Copper Mines in Chililabombwe.

The first incident involved an employee of Reliant Mining Company, a contractor engaged by Mopani Copper Mines. The deceased miner, identified as Christopher Katongo, 28, was rushed to Malcolm Watson Mine Hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.

In the second incident, at Lubambe Mine, Lazarous Chimba, 55, collapsed underground and was also pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.

Commenting on the developments, MUZ president, Joseph Chewe, said the tragic events marked the second mine accident recorded in 2026 and the third fatality involving Reliant Mining under Mopani Copper Mines this year—“a pattern that MUZ finds deeply troubling.”

Chewe said preliminary information indicated that the Mopani incident occurred after a machine the miners were using to move developed a fault, forcing them to walk toward the surface due to a delayed pick-up.

“These incidents point to systemic safety and operational gaps that must be urgently addressed,” he said.

Chewe described the recurring fatalities, particularly among contractors, as unacceptable, emphasizing that every miner has the right to a safe working environment and that safety must never be compromised.

He called on Mopani and the wider mining sector to urgently conduct a comprehensive audit of all contractors’ safety standards to ensure full compliance with safety requirements and national mining regulations.

“The Union is concerned about the safety record of contractors and is urging immediate comprehensive improvements aimed at safeguarding miners’ lives,” Chewe stated.

He acknowledged that investigations have already been launched into both incidents by relevant authorities and stakeholders.

Chewe said the Union expected thorough, transparent, and timely investigations and pledged continued engagement with mine management and regulators to ensure concrete corrective measures were implemented to prevent further loss of lives in the sector.

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