• There are serious challenges at the two major mines.
• Vendetta left KCM in ICU.
• Covid brought challenges to the mines.

Mine Workers Union of Zambia (MUZ) says it is working tirelessly in stabilizing operations at Mopani and Konkola Copper Mines.

Speaking in an interview with Money FM News, Union President Joseph Chewe however applauded mine owners for the continued operations despite challenges faced during the outbreak of the Covid 19 pandemic.

Mr. Chewe noted that there have been serious challenges at the two major mines after Glencore’s exit from the country by selling its stake in Mopani Copper Mines to ZCCM-IH.

“I’m sure you are aware that we faced serious challenges in the two major mines Mopani and Konkola Copper Mine as they were closed by Glencore as well as Vendetta which brought a critical situation, living KCM in Intensive Care Unit.”

“As a union, we are not sleeping to allow the two major mines to be removed from the Intensive Care Unit to the wards and identify what will be the next cause,” Mr. Chewe said.
He stated that government’s provision of regulations for the continued running of mines is a plus in the positive direction.

“Equally the issues of COVID brought challenges to the mines and I think we appreciate all the mines, the owners of the mines for keeping the mines afloat while we are struggling in terms of Covid, I think that is a plus.”
“We have seen our colleagues from other countries the mines closing and the workers retrenched in fear of losing income and also the government to provide regulations to continue the smooth going and running of the mines as this is a plus to us in the mining industry.”