Up safety, mines told

Government has ordered mining companies to re-visit their safety strategies in order to address the worrying death rates.

And Mine workers Union of Zambia President Chishimba Nkole has demanded for a report from government and Mopani Copper Mine – MCM- on the cause of the accident that happened at the south ore body where four miners died.

Mines Minister Christopher Yaluma also directed miners to ensure that places that they are operating from are safe.

The Minister asked mining companies and workers never to take risks of working from unsafe areas.

Mr. Yaluma was speaking at the funeral church service held at Nkana Stadium in Kitwe for the four miners that died on July 18th at Mopani Copper Mine’s South ore body shaft.

And Mr. Yaluma disclosed that Mopani copper mine has agreed that one family member of the deceased workers will be employed in order to maintain domestic income.

And Mr Nkole said government and MCM should make known what transpired on the day the accidents happened.

Mr. Nkole who is also ZCTU president said it is unfortunate that the accident happened at a time when mining methods have evolved.

Meanwhile MCM Chief Executive Officer Johan Jasen said his company is doing everything possible to ensure that the environment is safe.

Burial for the four miners will take place at Nkana East cemetery.