Zambia’s mining regulator has suspended operations at Mopani Copper Mines’ Mufulira mine, citing serious safety and compliance concerns. The decision comes after the mine failed to properly account for all personnel working underground—a critical requirement designed to prevent accidents.
The Minerals Regulation Commission (MRC) stated that the suspension follows recent incidents at Mopani’s operations and highlighted non-compliance with regulations requiring a reliable system to track all underground workers.
“Operations will remain suspended until the mine rectifies all deficiencies identified in its personnel accounting system,” the MRC said.
The commission also announced plans for a comprehensive audit of all Mopani assets, including the larger Nkana mine, signaling heightened scrutiny over the company’s safety practices.
Mopani Copper Mines did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The company is among Zambia’s largest copper producers, a key player in supplying the global clean energy sector.
Ownership and Expansion Plans
In 2024, the United Arab Emirates’ International Resources Holding (IRH) acquired a 51% stake in Mopani for $1.1 billion, with the remainder held by Zambia’s state-owned ZCCM Investments Holdings (ZCCM-IH). IRH has committed to investing $300 million to boost Mopani’s annual copper output from around 70,000 metric tons to 200,000 metric tons, a major expansion in line with Zambia’s ambitions.
The southern African nation produced 820,670 metric tons of copper in 2025, up from 732,580 tons in 2024, and is targeting 3 million metric tons annually by 2031 to meet rising global demand for the metal crucial to clean energy technologies.
