Miner dies in Lubambe underground accident as MUZ blames ‘systemic safety deficiencies’
Posté : ven. 20 mars 2026 10:30
Miner dies in Lubambe underground accident as MUZ blames ‘systemic safety deficiencies’
A miner at Lubambe Copper Mine has died during underground operations, in what the Mine Workers Union of Zambia (MUZ) says reflected deeper, systemic safety failures across the mining sector.
According to information released by the Zambia Police Service, 46-year-old Justin Chungu died on March 18, 2026, at around 13:00 hours.
He had reported for duty earlier at 06:30 hours and was deployed underground in his role as an electrician.
Police said Chungu was later found unconscious underground and rushed to the mine clinic, where he was pronounced dead by medical personnel.
Reacting to the incident, the Mine Workers Union of Zambia described the death as part of a worrying pattern rather than an isolated case.
MUZ president Joseph Chewe, in a statement issued by MUZ national coordinator and public relations officer Michael Kaluba, said the tragic loss highlighted “systemic safety deficiencies” that required urgent intervention.
“This incident is a stark and painful reminder of the risks which miners continue to operate under. It is unacceptable that miners are still losing their lives due to preventable circumstances,” Chewe said.
He noted that the recurring nature of such incidents raised serious concerns about adherence to safety standards and the effectiveness of regulatory enforcement.
Chewe further warned that 2026 was already emerging as a tragic year for the mining industry, with several fatalities recorded in the first quarter alone.
“This trend is unacceptable and demands immediate corrective action — not only from the mines, but also from regulators and all relevant stakeholders,” he said.
Read more: Developing Story: 7 confirmed trapped at Macrolink Mine, as rescue efforts intensify
MUZ said it would demand a comprehensive, transparent investigation into the incident with clear timelines and public accountability, emphasising the need for sanctions where negligence or foul play is established.
The union has also called for strengthened inspections by the Mine Safety Department, mandatory audits of safety standards across all operations, increased investment in worker safety systems and training, and greater worker involvement in mine-site safety oversight.
MUZ reiterated that protecting workers’ lives must took precedence over production targets and profit.
“MUZ remains resolute in its commitment to safeguarding the safety, health, and welfare of all mine workers and will continue to hold all stakeholders accountable to the highest standards of occupational safety,” the union stated.
A miner at Lubambe Copper Mine has died during underground operations, in what the Mine Workers Union of Zambia (MUZ) says reflected deeper, systemic safety failures across the mining sector.
According to information released by the Zambia Police Service, 46-year-old Justin Chungu died on March 18, 2026, at around 13:00 hours.
He had reported for duty earlier at 06:30 hours and was deployed underground in his role as an electrician.
Police said Chungu was later found unconscious underground and rushed to the mine clinic, where he was pronounced dead by medical personnel.
Reacting to the incident, the Mine Workers Union of Zambia described the death as part of a worrying pattern rather than an isolated case.
MUZ president Joseph Chewe, in a statement issued by MUZ national coordinator and public relations officer Michael Kaluba, said the tragic loss highlighted “systemic safety deficiencies” that required urgent intervention.
“This incident is a stark and painful reminder of the risks which miners continue to operate under. It is unacceptable that miners are still losing their lives due to preventable circumstances,” Chewe said.
He noted that the recurring nature of such incidents raised serious concerns about adherence to safety standards and the effectiveness of regulatory enforcement.
Chewe further warned that 2026 was already emerging as a tragic year for the mining industry, with several fatalities recorded in the first quarter alone.
“This trend is unacceptable and demands immediate corrective action — not only from the mines, but also from regulators and all relevant stakeholders,” he said.
Read more: Developing Story: 7 confirmed trapped at Macrolink Mine, as rescue efforts intensify
MUZ said it would demand a comprehensive, transparent investigation into the incident with clear timelines and public accountability, emphasising the need for sanctions where negligence or foul play is established.
The union has also called for strengthened inspections by the Mine Safety Department, mandatory audits of safety standards across all operations, increased investment in worker safety systems and training, and greater worker involvement in mine-site safety oversight.
MUZ reiterated that protecting workers’ lives must took precedence over production targets and profit.
“MUZ remains resolute in its commitment to safeguarding the safety, health, and welfare of all mine workers and will continue to hold all stakeholders accountable to the highest standards of occupational safety,” the union stated.