CEJ WELCOMES SUSPENSION OF MOPANI MUFULIRA MINE
….as government lifts suspension…
The Centre for Environment Justice (CEJ) has welcomed the recent suspension of underground operations at Mopani Copper Mines’ Mufulira site by the Minerals Regulation Commission (MRC)
Government however, Monday, lifted the suspension of Mopani Copper Mines’ Mufulira underground operations after enhanced safety systems were implemented.
The new measures include a Two Point Manual Tag Board System, upgraded biometric reporting, CCTV reactivation, and real-time monitoring integrated with access control and compliance archiving.
In a statement, Tuesday, CEJ Executive Director Maggie Mapalo Mwape emphasised that the earlier decision showed the government’s commitment to protecting workers.
Mwape noted that the halt was necessary to prevent further accidents and safeguard lives.
She stressed that mining companies must prioritise safety and environmental standards above production targets.
The CEJ Executive Director highlighted that the Commission’s action was a reminder that regulations must be strictly enforced.
Mwape underlined that responsible mining was essential for sustainable economic growth.
She observed that communities living near mining sites deserved assurance of safety and environmental protection.
The CEJ Executive Director explained that her organisation works with partners such as Bread for the World, the European Union, Norwegian Church Aid (NCA), Danish Church Aid (DCA), the Carter Centre Foundation, the United Nations Democratic Fund (UNDEF), and the Southern Africa Trust (SAT) to promote responsible and safe mining practices.
She pointed out that these partnerships aim to strengthen compliance with environmental laws and improve corporate accountability.
Mwape reaffirmed CEJ’s commitment to supporting initiatives that ensure safe workers, safe production, and a safe environment.
