Mopani Copper Mines Plc has suspended all operations at its South Ore Body (SOB) in Kitwe following an accident that killed two miners.

Two miners have died after a blast at Mopani Copper Mines SOB shaft in Kitwe.

The two miners died, Tuesday morning, between 06:00 hours and 07:00 hours, and have been identified as Chrispine Mwaba, 39, a boomer operator and Ackelo Musomali, 42, a mine captain.

In a statement availed by Mopani Copper Mines’ public relations manager Nebert Mulenga, Tuesday afternoon, the mining company announced a suspension of its SOB after two miners were involved in a fatal accident in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

The two miners were identified as Chrispin Mwaba, 39, a boomer operator and Ackleoh Musomali, 42, a mine captain.

“It is with deep regret that Mopani Copper Mines Plc confirms an underground fatal incident at the South Ore Body (SOB) Shaft in Kitwe on Tuesday, 19 March 2019. The incident happened between 05:15 – 06:00 hours at 3510 Feet Level – 1100 Cross Cut and tragically, the lives of two employees (Mr. Ackleoh Musumali aged 42 years and Mr. Chrispin Mwaba aged 29 years) were lost in the operation,” stated Mulenga.

“Mopani Copper Mines Plc is working closely with the Mine Safety Department and other relevant authorities to inform the next of kin of the deceased employees and to investigate what could have caused this tragic accident. All operations at South Ore Body have been suspended until further notice. Mopani Copper Mines Plc management expresses its deepest condolences to their families and colleagues and will be providing them with the necessary support during this difficult time.”