20 Boxes of Explosives Found Under Beds, MRC Suspends Four Mpika Mines

More than 20 boxes of explosives were allegedly found hidden underneath beds during a mining inspection in Mpika, prompting the Minerals Regulation Commission (MRC) to suspend four mining and mineral processing operations.

The discovery was made in the Kanyerere area during a regulatory compliance inspection, with the MRC saying one 31-year-old Indian national was subsequently arrested for allegedly possessing explosives without the required documentation and approved storage arrangements.

The four operations suspended are Newtown Youth Advocate Mine, Empirical Trading, Jatana Mineral Resources and Ishinadwusa Processing Company.

According to the MRC, inspectors found serious breaches involving mine safety, underground mine development and the possession and storage of explosives.

The Commission said the explosives were discovered concealed underneath two beds in two separate rooms during routine inspections of mining operations in the area.

The MRC has warned that unauthorised possession, handling and storage of explosives poses a serious risk to workers, surrounding communities and property.

It says anyone authorised to handle explosives must have the necessary licences and approvals, while explosives must be handled by trained personnel and stored in properly constructed and approved explosive magazines.

Concerns over underground mining

The inspection also raised concerns about underground mining practices at Newtown Youth Cooperative.

MRC inspectors found that the cooperative had sunk a shaft approximately 60 metres deep, with workers carrying out mining activities through underground tunnels.

The Commission said underground mine development requires appropriate technical expertise, engineering controls and safety measures to protect workers and ensure the stability of underground workings.

The MRC has directed mining operators and licence holders to comply with the conditions of their licences and all applicable mining laws and safety standards.

It has also warned that further enforcement action will be taken against operations found to be operating outside the law.

The four suspended operations include a Zambian-owned mine, a Somali-owned operation, a Chinese-operated mining company and an Indian-operated mineral processing company.

The MRC says its inspections will continue as part of efforts to improve compliance, protect mine workers and surrounding communities, and promote responsible development of Zambia's mining sector.