By Anthony Chomba,
The Minerals Regulation Commission (MRC) has lifted the suspension of underground operations at Mopani Copper Mines’ Mufulira Mine, with immediate effect, following the implementation of enhanced safety measures.
The suspension had been imposed after the mine failed to comply with safety regulations, specifically the requirement to maintain an accurate personnel accounting system for underground workers.
According to a statement issued to Mafken News in Lusaka this evening by the Ministry of Mines Principal Public Relations Officer, Kalani Muchima, the MRC invoked Section 56 of the Minerals Regulation Commission Act No. 14 of 2024, citing non-compliance with Part 218 of the Mining Regulations.
Mr. Muchima said the enhanced safety measures implemented by the mine include the Two-Point Manual Tag Board System and Shift Clearance Reporting, with the Biometric System upgraded to automatically generate clearance reports.
He further revealed that the company has installed and reactivated a Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) and real-time monitoring system at critical control points, integrating it with the access control system and archiving footage for compliance and audit purposes.
Mr. Muchima stated that these measures meet the requirements of Mining Regulation 218, ensuring a safer working environment for miners.
