Zambia’s mining regulator said on Monday that underground operations at Mopani Copper Mines’ Mufulira mine can resume immediately following the introduction of new safety measures, Reuters reported.
Last week, the Minerals Regulation Commission suspended operations at the mine for failing to comply with safety regulations, specifically the requirement to maintain an accurate system to account for all underground workers.
Mopani Copper Mines is one of Zambia’s largest copper producers. The country is Africa’s second-largest producer of copper, a metal that plays a key role in clean energy technologies.
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In a statement issued on Monday, the regulator said the company had put in place enhanced safety procedures, including technology to confirm that the mine is cleared two hours after the end of every shift.
It also noted that Mopani has installed closed-circuit television systems to monitor activities underground.
“These measures meet the requirements of Mining Regulation 218, ensuring a safe working environment for miners,” the regulator said.
A spokesperson for Mopani was not immediately available to comment.
In 2024, United Arab Emirates-based International Resources Holding acquired a 51% stake in Mopani in a $1.1 billion deal.
The remaining shares are held by Zambia’s state-owned mining firm, ZCCM Investments Holdings.
Zambia produced about 890,000 metric tons of copper last year and is aiming to increase annual output to 3 million tons by 2031.
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Image Credit: Channel Africa
