Works at Vendata’s Kokola Copper Mines (KCM) in Chingola have resumed after a fatal accident that claimed one life during an underground operation in Nchanga Underground Mine.

KCM Public Relations and Communications Manager Shapi Shachinda confirmed this in a statement, Wednesday, explaining that management at KCM had worked closely with the Mines Safety Department, the police and other government departments to investigate the cause and context of the accident.

Shachinda stated that all mining activities had resumed, except for blasting activities that were still halted, pending further investigations.

“KCM advises that, following the tragic fatal accident on Friday 15th June, 2018, at the Nchanga Underground Mine (NUM). KCM has worked closely with the Mines Safety Department, the police and other government departments to investigate the cause and context of the accident. These investigations are ongoing. Work across NUM was temporarily halted to provide access to incident investigators and health and safety officials. Operations at NUM resumed on Friday, June 15, with the exception of all blasting activities, which are still halted,” stated Shachinda.

“KCM is fully committed to zero harm, and is working with all stakeholders, including employees and the regulator, to ensure that the highest standards of safety are upheld and maintained. The underground mine currently accounts for 19 per cent of Nchanga Mine’s total copper production, including input for the Tailings Leach Plant. Management is investigating alternative sources to mitigate this production input shortfall.”