MRC Lifts Suspension on Mopani’s Mufulira Mine After Safety Upgrades
The Minerals Regulation Commission (MRC) has lifted the suspension on underground operations at Mopani Copper Mines’ Mufulira mine with immediate effect, following the successful implementation of enhanced safety measures.
The suspension had been imposed after the mine failed to comply with safety requirements, notably the obligation to maintain an accurate personnel accounting system for underground workers.
The MRC acted under Section 56 of the Minerals Regulation Commission Act No. 14 of 2024, citing non-compliance with Part 218 of the Mining Regulations.
According to the regulator, Mopani has since introduced a Two-Point Manual Tag Board System and strengthened shift clearance reporting. The mine’s biometric system has also been upgraded to automatically generate clearance reports two hours after the end of each shift.
In addition, the company has installed and reactivated a closed-circuit television (CCTV) and real-time monitoring system at critical control points. The system is integrated with access controls and includes archiving of footage for compliance and audit purposes.
The MRC said the measures meet the requirements of Mining Regulation 218 and ensure a safer working environment for miners.
Mopani Copper Mines, a joint venture between International Resources Holding and Zambia’s state-owned ZCCM Investments Holdings, is expected to resume operations immediately. The restart is anticipated to support increased copper output.
Zambia has set a target to expand copper production to three million metric tonnes annually by 2031, with the mining sector viewed as central to economic growth and job creation.
The statement was issued by Kalani Muchima, Principal Public Relations Officer at the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development.
