Mopani Launches Water Purification System for Miners
Mopani Copper Mines PLC has rolled out the first phase of its Water Purification System, a project designed to provide safe and clean drinking water to both Mopani and contractor employees working underground.
The system comprises PXD filters (glass medium filters), water tanks and automated online chlorinators. Water first undergoes treatment at the main plant before passing through the filtration system, where it is stored in a 10,000-litre tank for further purification.
“This water is treated firstly from our treatment plant, which is the main plant, then further treated and purified through the system itself,” explained Nkana Engineering Manager, Mr Marvin Mwansa, at the official launch.
He added that all water had undergone stringent tests at Mopani’s ISO-certified Analytical Services Laboratories and through its public health system. “It’s good water, safe water. All the tests have passed the standards for drinking water,” he said.
Phase Two of the project will involve installing purification vessels and essential equipment underground, enabling water from underground sources to be purified and converted into potable water for miners.
Nkana South Mine Manager, Mr Edward Soriano, revealed that the mine has already distributed more than 1,900 one-litre drinking bottles to workers.
“So, what this means now is when I come for work, I have got this water bottle, and I am assured I will get clean water before I proceed underground. This is a big positive change for us, a big step in the right direction,” Mr Soriano said.
The development has also been welcomed by the Mineworkers Union of Zambia (MUZ). Its Chairman, Mr Christopher Nkandu, commended Mopani management for implementing the system, noting that employees had long advocated for such a facility.
“From the employee side, we are so happy to have this system. We started advocating for such a facility some time back, around 2020, when I was also a shop steward. Now, finally, it has been set up and it will benefit us as we go underground,” he said.
The initiative forms part of Mopani’s corporate culture programme, ‘TukaChimfya Pamo’ (Together We Shall Conquer), aimed at improving employee welfare and working conditions.
Culture Change Coordinator, Ms Esther Malama, urged employees to safeguard the new system, stressing the importance of a collective sense of ownership.
“This is our water. This is our equipment. So, if we love our equipment, if we love our company, we will truly take care of such things that are given to us. In the true spirit of Ubuntu, let us take care of company property, be our brother’s keeper and look after each other,” she said.
