Govt urges mines to adhere to safety

Government is concern with the continued occurrence of mine accidents, many of which have been fatal.

Mines Minister Christopher Yaluma says in light of the nature of the mining industry being ranked among the most risky businesses in the world, the need for practitioners to adhere to best practices and statutory requirements in health, safety and environment cannot be overemphasized.

Mr Yaluma says the fundamental of responsible and sustainable mining demands that the mining activities should preserve the integrity and capabilities of the natural environment to meet the needs of not only current generation, but also the future ones.

He states that the elimination of conditions and processes that endanger the lives of the people in the workplace, or damage the environment, should be taken as a priority.

The Mines Minister said this in a speech read on his behalf by Director for Geological Survey Chipilauka Mukofu during the 2nd Health, Safety and Environment Conference in Lusaka today organized by the Zambia Chamber of Mines under the theme “Road to Zero Harm”.

Speaking at the same event, Zambia Chamber of Mines President Jackson Sikamo described 2015 as a trying year and therefore the conference calls for genuine special reflections.

Mr. Sikamo says the industry is going through a tough time due depressed metal prices on the world market and that the conference has come at a time when the mining industry and the nation is experiencing one of the darkest periods in recent times.

He points out that the loss of four miners in a fatal accident at Mopani Copper Mines is extremely regrettable, traumatizing and unfortunate.