Central Province Minister, Mwabashike Nkulukusa, has attributed some mine accidents to failure by license holders to take responsibility for the safety of all miners within their premises.

Mr Nkulukusa notes that some mining license holders have allowed members of the local community to carry out excavation activities within their premises, but have not taken the responsibility to ensure that safety precautions are observed.

He told ZANIS in an interview in Kabwe that it is good that the mining firms have made an effort to empower the local community but emphasized the need for them to take charge of the safety of all people operating in their mines.

“Not all mine accidents are a result of illegal mining but failure to observe safety precautions, the license holders should ensure that everyone operating on their premises observes the safety precautions,” he said.

Mr Nkulukusa stressed the need for the license holders, especially the cooperatives, to invest in the safety of all mine workers.

“We understand that a number of people have formed cooperatives and have acquired licenses, but they are carrying out works without protective wear and they use simple tools which are not ideal for mineral exploration,” he observed.

He cited the Mumbwa mine accident where 10 miners died after the walls of the mine curved in on them as one which was caused by failure to observe safety precautions.

“The mine accidents being recorded are a wake-up call for us to improve mining safety,” he said.

Mr Nkulukusa observed that the province has potential in mining but will continue to record deaths if local residents do not support the government’s policies in the mining sector.