HALT OPERATIONS AT BLACK MOUNTAIN – EIZ

The Engineering Institution of Zambia says no operations should be allowed at the base of the dump of the black mountain.

EIZ president Abel Ng’andu said mining should be done with a top-to-down approach.

This is according to a statement issued to the media Friday morning.

“The EIZ also has the responsibility of “advising government on matters relating to the engineering profession”, and “to investigate and monitor national emergencies or disasters or any other matters of public concern caused by, or likely to be caused by, an engineering product or service and recommend appropriate preventive, rehabilitative or other measures”. The Institution would like to commend the Government of the Republic of Zambia for empowering the locals in conducting mining activities and is hoping that more members are supported,” said Ng’andu.

” The Institution has however noticed with great concern that the stakeholders conducting activities on site are not following safe mining methods. In August 2018, the EIZ constituted a team of experts to investigate the mining operations at the Black Mountain and make recommendations on safer and controlled mining practices at the site. A comprehensive technical report on safe mining of the slag dump was made and can be accessed from EIZ.”

He said EIZ has maintained that no operations should be conducted on the dumpsite.

” In line with the afore-mentioned, the EIZ would like to maintain its recommendations that were submitted in a detailed report as follows; No operations should be allowed at the base of the Dump and mining should be done with a top-to- down approach; e.g. excavate down with 5m benches, with safe distance from pit edge, then push material over edge until safe slope is attained.”

” No mix of artisanal and mechanised mining should be allowed, and Safety Hazard Protocol concerning mobile equipment to be implemented as well as other relevant Lifesaving and Fatal Hazard Protocols relevant to open pit operations. Apart from securing the mine area and installing appropriate signage, and marking of unsafe areas, slope movement needs to be monitored on a daily/per shift basis. Key relevant personnel from Mine Management, Safety Officers and Geotechnical staff need to be frequently consulted to ensure a streamlined and safe operation with relevant accountabilities,” he said.

Ng’andu said the Apportionment of the current Dump resource should be based on “tonnage” and not based on physical area so that unsafe areas are avoided, but at the same time, ensuring that equivalent extraction of the apportionment/entitlement is still achieved.

” We would like to call upon the stakeholders involved in the mining operations to ensure the above recommendations are followed to avoid loss of life. Government has presented an excellent opportunity for entrepreneurship of or and should be done in a safe manner,” he said.

Police in Kitwe fought running battles with chrome pickers who attempted to force their way in the slag dump commonly known as the black mountain following a ban.
Credit: Daily Star