Copperbelt Permanent Secretary Bright Nundwe says any serious investor should prioritize the safety of its workers.

Meanwhile, Mopani Copper Mines Plc has suspended all operations at its South Ore Body (SOB) in Kitwe following an accident that claimed two miners’ lives in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

This is barely three weeks after three miners from Mopani Copper Mines Mindola shaft died of suffocation after an under ground fire.

Addressing journalists at his office, Wednesday, Nundwe said government was not pleased with the mine accidents.

“We need investment in this country. We need private investment, but what is important is that when you are a serious investor, look at the safety of the workers, their conditions of service. The biggest present for workers is their safety. It is not pleasing to government to be losing lives, workers like this. Let’s attach importance to the safety of workers. This message is for all investors,” Nundwe said.

“Accidents at place of work are instilling fear in the workers which reduces productivity. When workers are at work, they will always be thinking of what can happen next. So we need to see that accidents are completely out.”

Meanwhile, Mopani Copper Mines Plc has suspended all operations at its South Ore Body (SOB) in Kitwe following the accident.

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.”