A 28-year-old miner has died at Mopani Copper Mines (MCM) in Mufulira during underground mining operations—an incident that comes barely two weeks after another Mopani contractor lost his life in Kitwe. According to police, the accident occurred on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the 1,507-metre level shaft. Copperbelt Police Commissioner Mwala Yuyi said in a statement issued on Sunday that the victim had been identified as Christopher Katongo of Kamuchanga Township, an employee of Reliant Mining Company, a contractor engaged by Mopani Copper Mines.
“The accident took place around 16:30 hours while a crew of four was operating a Boomer machine underground. During the operation, Katongo reportedly fell from the equipment and was subsequently run over by the machine,” Yuyi said. He said Katongo sustained severe traumatic injuries, including a broken pelvis and internal injuries.
Despite an immediate response from the mine’s safety team, who evacuated him to Malcolm Watson Mine Hospital, he was pronounced dead upon arrival. “Investigations have been instituted to determine whether safety protocols were breached or whether mechanical failure played a role in the tragedy,” Yuyi added. This material,and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
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