Barrick scoops firstaid mining contest

BARRICK Processing Plant of Lumwana scooped the 13th inter-company first aid competition after polling more than 90 per cent.

The mining firm polled 91.25 per cent in the competition hosted by Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) at Arthur Davies Stadium in Kitwe at the weekend. Chambishi Metals Cobalt Plant came second with 89.5 per cent while First Quantum Mineral Limited (FQML) of Kansanshi Engineering came third with 89.08 per cent. FQML of Kansanshi Mining One came fourth with 89 per cent at the competition which was organised by the Chamber of Mines of Zambia council for first aid under the theme ''Life is Precious, Help the Injured.” Chairman of the Chamber of Mines of Zambia Council for First Aid Frederick Kaoma said the closeness in the gaps of the percentages was a clear indication that the competition was now getting stiff. Dr Kaoma said he was happy that mining companies were preparing adequately for the competition to show case their first aid skills. "Previously, the gaps were not as close as they are now during the First Aid Competition, but now the gaps are getting closer which is an indication that the competition is getting stiff due to adequate preparations for the competitions from the participating teams,'' Dr Kaoma said. And Mines and Mineral Development Minister Richard Musukwa said THE government was happy that the Chamber of Mines had continued to organise the competition to underscore the importance of safety in the mining sector. Mr Musukwa advised the unions and their members to assist management by adhering to safety rules and refusing to work in unsafe working areas. "Do not compromise on safety because it may cost your life or another person's life. Where matters of life are concerned, we cannot say we have done enough and sit back . "Government has always emphasized zero tolerance for accidents, let alone loss of life. This will be achieved of there are efforts to continuously improve safety and health in the mines,'' Mr Musukwa said.