Zambia mine union urges tougher safety measures as 2026 fatalities rise

The Mineworkers Union of Zambia (MUZ) has urged mining companies to strengthen safety controls and strictly follow operational procedures after a rise in fatalities across the country’s mining sector.

The call follows the death of Eddie Nfunda, who died in an underground accident at Lubambe Copper Mine. MUZ said the incident marked the fifth mine accident recorded in 2026, bringing total fatalities to six after earlier incidents at Mopani Copper Mines and Lubambe.

In a statement issued in Kitwe over the weekend, MUZ president, Joseph Chewe, said rising deaths highlighted a “deteriorating safety record” in Zambia’s mining sector.

“Workplace fatalities remain unacceptable,” Chewe said, calling for strict adherence to safety procedures, hazard identification protocols and engineering controls, especially in high-risk processing plants. “We are challenging mine management across the industry to treat this tragic incident as a reminder that worker safety must never be sacrificed in pursuit of production targets.”

Chewe urged companies to prioritise preventive maintenance, proper isolation procedures, adequate supervision and continuous safety training, which he said must remain “non-negotiable pillars” of mining operations.

He added that MUZ would continue working with mining firms, regulators and safety bodies to strengthen occupational health and safety compliance across the sector.

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