Mines record 12 fatalities in 2019

ABOUT twelve fatalities have

been e perienced in the rst

and second quarters of 2019 in the mining sector, the Daily Nation has learnt.

This came to light during

this year’s inter-company

First Aid competition hosted by Kansanshi Mine Plc in Solwezi District recently.

Mines Minister Richard, who graced the event, disclosed that statistics indicated that fatalities were recorded in both large and small scale mining operations.

“In this respect, government wishes to remind all stakeholders and mine operators of their obligations to ensure that workers are guaranteed a safe working environment. In particularly, management and responsible

of cers at all sites must

ensure that mine safety regulations are complied with at all times without fail,” he said.

He stated that government has always emphasised “zero” tolerance to mine accidents saying there was no job that could be done at the expense of safety.

He reminded employers to always observe adherence to principles of occupation health and safety which he said was

non-negotiable.

“I therefore, urge all employers, the trade union and the workers themselves across the mining industry to actively participate in securing a safe and health working environment and where principles of prevention is accorded the highest priority by treating the symptoms

rst, he said.

This year’s competition,

in which19 companies participated, was scooped by Mopani Copper Mines.