Government has reiterated its commitment to strengthening occupational health and safety in the mining sector, emphasising that protecting the lives of workers must remain the industry’s highest priority.

Speaking during the 19th Zambia Chamber of Mines Inter-Company First Aid Competition at Lumwana Radiants Football Stadium in Kalumbila District yesterday, Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development Permanent Secretary, Hapenga Kabeta, said first aid remains an indispensable component of mine safety and emergency preparedness.

Dr Kabeta’s remarks were delivered on his behalf by Director of Human Resources Administration, Anthony Chilengi.

He said this year’s theme, First Aid: “Where Knowledge Meets Action” highlights the importance of ensuring that technical knowledge acquired through training is translated into prompt and effective action whenever emergencies occur.

Dr Kabeta observed that while mining companies continue to invest heavily in modern equipment, engineering controls, ventilation systems and advanced technologies, the preservation of human life remains the industry’s greatest responsibility.

He said knowledge gained through training only becomes meaningful when workers are equipped to respond calmly, professionally and effectively during emergencies.

The Permanent Secretary noted that in many mining incidents, actions taken during the first few minutes often determine whether lives are saved or lost.

He urged mining companies to continue strengthening first aid programmes, emergency response systems and continuous safety training, saying such investments play a significant role in reducing workplace accidents and injuries.

Dr Kabeta further encouraged mining companies to share innovations and best practices in emergency response across the industry, noting that collaboration among mining houses is essential in improving safety standards nationwide.

He said government, through the Minerals Regulation Commission and the Occupational Health and Safety Institute, remains committed to providing a regulatory environment that promotes safe, responsible and sustainable mining.

Dr Kabeta added that while legislation and regulation provide an important framework, achieving zero harm ultimately depends on the commitment of both employers and employees to uphold a strong safety culture at every level of mining operations.

The Permanent Secretary further highilighted that the competition demonstrates the high standards of preparedness that Zambia’s mining industry continues to develop, and encouraged participants to compete with integrity while learning from one another.

Meanwhile, Zambia Chamber of Mines President, Anthony Malenga, said the annual competition remains one of the mining industry’s flagship safety events and has played a significant role in strengthening emergency response capacity over the past 19 years.

Mr Malenga said that although mining companies compete in mineral production and business performance, they remain united in their commitment to safeguarding the health, safety and wellbeing of employees.

District Commissioner, Brenda Sankisa, commended the inaugural First Aid Competition held in the district, noting that the event has enhanced participants’ emergency response skills, promoted teamwork and raised awareness of the importance of first aid in saving lives.

Ms Sankisa said such initiatives play a vital role in building safer and more resilient communities by equipping people with practical life-saving knowledge.

Meanwhile, Zambia Chamber of Mines Chief Executive Officer, Sokwani Chilembo, said first aid is a critical skill in the mining industry, where the ability to respond quickly during emergencies can save lives and reduce the severity of injuries.

He said the Chamber remains committed to promoting high safety standards across the mining sector through training, awareness programmes and collaboration with stakeholders.

Barrick Lumwana Mining Company Operations Manager, Tim Wride, called on participants to demonstrate the life-saving skills, teamwork and preparedness required during emergencies.

He noted that the first aid skills being tested could make a critical difference in real-life emergencies, where calm decision-making, swift action and effective communication are often key to saving lives.

The event, organised in partnership with the Zambia Chamber of Mines, brought together 21 companies from across the mining sector to showcase their emergency response and first aid skills.

Lubambe Mining Company emerged as the overall winner of the competition.

The event concluded with the presentation of awards to the best-performing teams following a series of practical and theoretical assessments.

Next year’s competition will be hosted by Chambishi Copper Smelter.

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