A miner has died at Konkola Copper Mines in Chingola during an underground operation.

KCM general manager for corporate affairs Eugene Chungu confirmed the accident in a statement, Friday.

“It is with great sadness that Vedanta Africa Base Metals confirms that an accident at Vedanta’s Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) in Chingola, Zambia 15 June has claimed the life of a KCM business partner employee. No other employees were injured in the accident. The deceased’s next-of-kin has been informed, and his details are being withheld to protect the privacy of his family,” Chungu stated.

“All of us at KCM and Vedanta are devastated by the news and commit to assisting the family of the deceased during this difficult period. Our deepest condolences are with his family, friends and colleagues.”

He stated that mining activities at the extractive giant had been halted to pave way for investigations into the cause of the underground accident.

“All work at Nchanga Underground Mine has been halted while investigations – involving the local emergency services, police, the mines safety department, our representative trade unions and senior KCM management and operations structures – are under way,” stated Chungu.