KITWE — A Kitwe magistrate has granted bail to three officials of the Mineworkers Union of Zambia arrested during a demonstration outside Mopani Copper Mines’ Nkana shaft last week. The trio faces charges of unlawful assembly and inciting workers to withdraw labour.
Defence lawyer Mwape Kasonde argued that the protest was a lawful expression of concern over ventilation failures that had hospitalised four underground workers. Prosecutors opposed bail, citing the risk of further industrial action that could disrupt copper production.
Mopani management said it had addressed the ventilation issue and resumed normal operations. Union president Joseph Chewe warned that members would not tolerate safety shortcuts as the company ramps up output to meet global demand for battery-grade copper.
The case has drawn attention from international labour bodies monitoring Zambia’s mining sector. Economists estimate that each day of full production stoppage at Mopani costs the treasury approximately $2.8 million in export revenue and tax receipts.
The accused are due to return to court on 14 July. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Labour has convened a tripartite meeting involving unions, employers and government mediators to de-escalate tensions across the Copperbelt.
