Miners' health, safety critical in increasing copper production, says Chamber of Mines

By ROGERS KALERO

THE Zambia Chamber of Mines (ZCM) has said its national conference on occupational, Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) has continued to serve as a critical engine for promoting best practices, driving research, and fostering networks that safeguard our most valuable asset its people.

ZCM president Anthony Malenga said the chamber was proud that the conference has continued to be recognised by the Engineering Institution of Zambia (EIZ) as a continuous professional development (CPD) activity, awarding CPD points to eligible participants.

Mr Malenga was speaking in a speech read for him by ZCM Chief Executive Officer Sokowani Chilembo at the 10th OHSE Conference at Protea Hotel in Ndola under the theme: "Innovative Solutions to zero harm: integrating technology, sustainability and community well-being,"

Mr. Malenga said as the country was striding toward achieving three million metric tonnes of copper annually by 2031, in alignment with vision 2030, it should be clear that production growth cannot and must not come at the expense of human life or environmental degradation.

"To realise 'zero harm', mining companies are integrating cutting-edge technologies - from AI-driven exploration and real-time underground beacons to impact-detecting PPE and collision - avoidance systems.

Technology allows us to predict, prevent and eliminate risks before they translate into fatalities or occupational diseases," he said.

Mr Malenga explained that technology alone is not enough, innovation must be powered by a skilled workforce saying the chamber of mines was fully committed to working alongside sector skills bodies and other stakeholders.

And Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development Permanent Secretary Hapenga Kabeta said the conference had come at a critical time when the country was intensifying efforts to expand mineral production, attract investment, promote value addition and strengthen the contribution of mining to national development.

Dr. Kabeta who was speaking in a speech read for him by Copperbelt Permanent Secretary Lawrence Mwanza, said, as the country pursues these ambitions, it must remain firmly guided by one fundamental principle: economic growth must never come at the expense of human life, workers' health or environmental sustainability.

Ends.