Miners Safely Rescued Following Zambia’s Nationwide Power Outage
Miners trapped underground at two copper mines in Zambia were successfully rescued after a nationwide power outage disrupted operations, the Ministry of Energy reported on Monday.
The blackout, which occurred on Sunday, was caused by a “power system disturbance,” according to state utility Zesco. The outage also impacted neighboring Zimbabwe, highlighting regional energy challenges worsened by prolonged drought conditions that have severely affected hydropower generation.
Energy Permanent Secretary Peter Mumba confirmed the incidents occurred at Mopani Copper Mines, majority-owned by the UAE’s International Resources Holding, and a second Chinese-owned mine. While the exact number of affected miners was not disclosed, Mumba assured the public that all were brought to safety.
Zesco’s Acting Managing Director, Justin Longo, announced that power to Zambia’s mining operations, critical to the nation’s economy as Africa’s second-largest copper producer, was fully restored by 01:30 GMT. Nationwide supply was reestablished by 04:00 GMT.
Longo stated that the cause of the outage remains under investigation, ruling out generation issues at the Kariba Dam. The Kariba North Bank Power Station, Zambia’s largest hydroelectric plant with a capacity of 1,080 MW, is currently generating only 120 MW due to critically low water levels.
“We are operating just one unit, and it’s not even at full capacity,” said Mukupa Mulenga, the station’s maintenance manager.
The incident underscores the vulnerability of Zambia’s energy infrastructure amid increasing climate-related challenges to hydropower, a cornerstone of electricity generation in the region.
