Two employees of Reliant Mines, a contractor at Mopani Copper Mines, tragically died in a fatal underground accident at the SOB Shaft in Wusakile Township, Kitwe, Copperbelt Province.
Copperbelt Province Police Commanding Officer Mwala Yuyi confirmed the incident occurred on Tuesday, January 13, 2025, at approximately 17:45 hours on level 3760 of the SOB Shaft.
Mr. Yuyi stated that Wusakile Police Station received a report from Mopani Copper Mines Chief Security Manager Mukunda Miktaza, who notified authorities on behalf of the company.
According to police details, three Reliant Mines employees were working underground earlier that day. Around 06:00 hours, the person in charge conducted a test on a blasting cable, after which a loud bang was heard.
When the night shift arrived, workers discovered a hard hat, a gumboot, and blood stains at the site, raising immediate alarm and prompting further investigation.
The deceased have been identified as:
- Josiah Silomba, aged 42, of Wusakile Township — the person in charge of blasting.
- Justin Mutaba, aged 50, also of Wusakile Township — a utility vehicle operator.
Both were employees of Reliant Mines.
Police, including scenes of crime personnel, rushed to the mine where the rescue team was already responding. The bodies were recovered in the early hours of Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at around 03:45 hours.
Mr. Yuyi confirmed the remains have been deposited at Kitwe Teaching Hospital Mortuary pending postmortem examinations. An inquiry file has been opened, and investigations continue.
This incident underscores ongoing safety concerns in Zambia’s mining sector, particularly in deep underground operations on the Copperbelt. Authorities and mining companies are urged to prioritize rigorous safety protocols to prevent such tragedies.
By Lovemore Sondashi
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