Kagem Mining Honoured for Achieving Over 10 Million LTI-Free Hours
Kagem Mining Limited has received a distinguished safety award from Zambia’s Mines Safety Department after surpassing 10 million Lost Time Injury (LTI)-free hours, marking a major milestone in workplace safety and responsible mining.
The award, presented at a high-level ceremony in Kitwe, recognises Kagem’s achievement of 10,098,176 consecutive work hours without a single incident leading to lost productivity due to injury — a rare feat in the high-risk mining sector. A Lost Time Injury refers to any incident that results in an employee missing work, and maintaining a zero LTIFR (Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate) is a significant benchmark for safety excellence.
The event drew attendance from key figures across the mining industry and government, including Lufwanyama District Commissioner Justin Mwalikwa, Chief Inspector of Mines Lubinda Kamutumwa (on behalf of Mines Safety Director Billy Chewe), Chamber of Mines CEO Sokwani Chilembo, and Kagem Managing Director CV Suresh, among others.
District Commissioner Mwalikwa praised Kagem’s consistent prioritisation of employee safety. “Your commitment to creating a safer working environment is commendable and sets a positive example within the mining sector,” he said.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Mines Safety Director, Mr Kamutumwa stated: “This is not just a number. It reflects Kagem’s unwavering dedication to the safety and well-being of every employee.”
Chamber of Mines CEO Sokwani Chilembo also lauded Kagem’s alignment with the global Vision Zero campaign, an initiative aiming for a mining sector free from occupational injuries. “For Kagem to achieve this for a second consecutive year is a remarkable example of leadership in action,” he said.
Kagem’s Managing Director, Mr CV Suresh, reiterated the company’s commitment to a zero-harm environment. “This accolade builds on last year’s awards, including over 7.5 million LTI-free hours and recognition as ‘Best Mine in Safety’. Our ongoing pursuit of excellence is deeply embedded in our SHEQ (Safety, Health, Environment and Quality) culture,” he said.
Owned 75% by Gemfields and 25% by Zambia’s Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), Kagem also holds ISO certifications in occupational health and safety, environmental, and quality management — further cementing its position as a model for responsible and sustainable mining.
