Mine policy lobby group, ZCM, calls for proactive safety standards

Zambia Chamber of Mines (ZCM ) Research and Policy Manager, Yewa Kumwenda, has challenged the mining industry to embrace quality safety standards to avert mine accident.

Kumwenda said the mining industry needed to continue taking a proactive approach that places emphasis on mine safety.

He said this on Thursday during a fire and safety innovation workshop for the future, organised by Firecom Limited in Kitwe.

Kumwenda said the workshop by Firecom was a huge contribution towards the sector preparedness for the expected return to full scale productivity in the mining sector.

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On the other hand, Mine and Safety Department (MSD) Chief inspector of machinery, Brighton Kateka, urged the mining community to ensure safety issues were incorporated in their mining operations.

Kateka said non-compliant mining establishments would be sanctioned as provided for in the law.

“Mining companies should be adhering to all safety and health guidelines that have been put in place to avoid loss of lives and property,” he stated.

At the same function, Firecom Limited Chief Executive officer, Bruce Mulonda, said the company was ready to roll out the latest equipment in the world to help improve productivity.

Mulonda told stakeholders that the mining sector had seen significant growth in the past years, but that safety was still a challenge which needed to be overcome.

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