Canadian miner First Quantum has confirmed two fatalities, both contractors, at its Kansanshi and Sentinel operations in Zambia.
The first was a worker from a Reliant Drilling at the operator’s Kansanshi open-pit copper mine in the North Western province on 23 November. The incident involved a fall of ground at the underground dewatering decline.
In a separate incident on Friday, 24 November, a contractor from Omega Risk Solutions was killed in a light vehicle accident when the car he was driving rolled at Sentinel. A passenger in the vehicle was also injured and was in a stable condition as of 27 November. Both occurred in nonproduction areas and were reported to appropriate local authorities.
First Quantum initiated internal investigations into the incidents and into its management of contractors in Zambia.
CEO Tristan Pascall said the operator is “devastated” that there were tragic outcomes from two separate incidents.
“We are working to ensure that all those affected in these incidents will receive the necessary support and assistance during this difficult time,” Pascall said.
Source: fqml.com