By MOFFAT CHAZINGWA –

KONKOLA Copper Mines (KCM) has addressed all safety concerns raised in connection with the recent Konkola Deep Mining Project (KDMP) underground accident, Mines Deputy Minister Richard Musukwa has said.
Mr Musukwa said Government last week lifted the suspension on KDMP operations after being satisfied with the safety measures the mining firm had put in place to curb the recurrence of such an accident.
Government a fortnight ago suspended normal hoisting of ore at KDMP in Chililabombwe following an accident where a cage carrying miners underground tripped and injured seven, with one in critical condition.
This was after preliminary investigations into the accident revealed high levels of negligence by KCM.
But KCM spokesperson Shapi Shachinda last week on Thursday announced in a brief statement that hoisting of ore at KDMP mid shaft had resumed without giving further details on the outcome of investigations into the underground accident.
Mr Musukwa, who was commenting on Mr Shachinda’s statement, said Government last week lifted the suspension on KDMP operations because all the safety issues that were raised with the mining firm had been resolved.
“We lifted the suspension after being satisfied with all the safety measures that have been put in place by KCM following that accident,” Mr Musukwa said.
The deputy minister commended KCM for having responded expeditiously in addressing the safety concerns in ensuring that operations resumed within the shortest possible time.
He said it was Government’s wish to have things at KCM quickly normalised especially that the mine accident was one of such things never planned for.
“This is why we don’t want to apportion blame to anyone although our interest has been the safety of miners and equipment and this is why in the first place we had to suspend operations,” he said.