A group of local contractors and suppliers staged a protest at Nkana East Cemetery in Kitwe after being ejected from David Mwila House, where they had gathered to voice their grievances against Mopani Copper Mines (MCM).
The protesting contractors accused MCM of sidelining Zambian businesses in favor of Indian-owned companies, among other concerns.
A contractor, Davies Daka alleged that despite submitting quotations on time, they have not been receiving orders, with some invoices dating back to last year remaining unpaid.
Another contractor, Enock Mwila claimed that Mopani’s management has been awarding long-term contracts—ranging from five to eight years—to foreign companies while restricting local vendors to short-term deals.
The contractors further alleged that an underground mining development contract was awarded to an Indian company that had not participated in the tendering process, which then subcontracted a Chinese firm to execute the work.
The protestors also accused Mopani of forming an internal investigation unit that is allegedly targeting local vendors and linking them to senior MCM officials in what they described as a form of victimization.
When contacted for a response, Mopani Copper Mines Public Relations Manager, Nebert Mulenga, acknowledged receipt of a press query but has yet to respond.
By Lovemore Sondashi
