MOPANI COPPER MINES FIRES 190 EMPLOYEES OVER COLLUSION WITH SUBSTANDARD SUPPLIERS

Kitwe, Zambia — Mopani Copper Mines has dismissed 190 employees following revelations of collusion with suppliers and contractors who delivered substandard products to the company. The action comes amid growing concerns over unethical business practices within the mining supply chain.

The development was disclosed in the wake of recent protests held at a Kitwe graveyard by aggrieved contractors and suppliers, some of whom are reportedly owed arrears dating back six months. Mines Minister Paul Kabuswe informed Parliament that many of the protesting individuals were linked to companies found to have supplied inferior products to the mine.

Mopani Copper Mines Chief Executive Officer Charles Sakanya confirmed the dismissals, stating that the implicated employees had been collaborating with unscrupulous vendors. He further revealed that, in addition to delivering poor-quality materials, some suppliers had been inflating prices and submitting fraudulent documents in an attempt to remain competitive among the mine’s pool of over 4,000 vendors.

“As a company, we are committed to ethical procurement standards, and any misconduct—whether internal or external—will not be tolerated,” Sakanya emphasized.

He also addressed the delayed payments to local contractors and suppliers, attributing the hold-up to recent operational challenges, including production setbacks at the smelter and limited power supply. However, Sakanya assured stakeholders that all outstanding payments will be cleared by the end of April 2025.

During a recent visit to Mopani’s Mufulira Plant, Mines Minister Paul Kabuswe and Copperbelt Minister Elisha Matambo engaged with management and contractors over the issues at hand. Kabuswe urged Mopani to enhance its operational performance, noting that since the takeover by International Resources Holdings, the mine has been operating at only 50 percent capacity.

“The government expects better performance and transparency. Mopani is a key player in Zambia’s mining sector, and we must ensure it operates at its full potential,” Kabuswe said.

The dismissals and payment commitments mark a critical moment for Mopani Copper Mines as it seeks to restore trust and improve efficiency in its operations.

Source: PHOENIX NEWS