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Operations at Mopani Copper Mines’ (MCM) Mufulira underground site have been suspended by the Mineral Regulation Commission (MRC) following recent mining accidents that claimed the lives of workers.
A high-level MRC delegation led by the Director General met Mopani management on Thursday, February 12, 2026, to address the fatal incidents recorded at both the Nkana and Mufulira mine sites.
According to a statement issued on Friday by Mines and Minerals Development Principal Public Relations Officer Kalani Muchima, the meeting reviewed all reported accidents and assessed the effectiveness of existing safety controls.
Muchima said the Commission found that the Mufulira underground mine had failed to comply with Part 218 of the Mining Regulations, which required mine managers to maintain an accurate and functional personnel-accounting system for all underground workers.
Due to this non-compliance, the MRC invoked Section 56 of the Minerals Regulation Commission Act No. 14 of 2024, suspending all underground operations at the Mufulira site.
Read more: two-deaths-in-three-weeks-prompt-mopani-copper-mines-to-halt-reliant-from-mining-operations
“Operations will remain suspended until the mine rectifies all deficiencies identified in its personnel accounting system,” Muchima stated.
He further announced that the Commission will conduct a comprehensive audit of operations at both the Mufulira and Nkana mine sites.
He said the audit was a proactive measure intended to reinforce adherence to Safety, Health, and Environmental (SHE) standards across Mopani’s operations.
Muchima added that the MRC remained firm in its mandate to regulate the mining industry, underscoring its guiding principle: “Safe Worker, Safe Tonnage, Safe Environment, and ultimately, a Safe Kwacha.”
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