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172 Mopani miners out of hospital

172 Mopani miners out of hospital
By Misheck Wangwe in Kitwe
Wed 21 Mar. 2012, 11:58 CAT

THE 172 miners at Mopani Copper Mines who were admitted to hospital after an underground accident at the Mufulira Mine site have been discharged. Mineworker Union of Zambia (MUZ) acting president Charles Mukuka said all the mineworkers, including the other 30 who were reported to be in a critical condition, were by Monday afternoon discharged after being treated.

The 172 miners were rushed to hospital after inhaling dangerous fumes underground after a loader TLH 410 caught fire and exploded at the refuelling bay.

Mukuka said MUZ through its Department of Mine Safety, Health and Environment was still investigating the matter.

"Mineworkers Union of Zambia sent the director of safety Webby Mushota to investigate what caused the accident and after compiling the report, MUZ will issue its official position over the matter," Mukuka said.

Mukuka said most of the miners were placed on 24-hour observation at the hospital in accordance with the mines safety and health regulations.

Management at Mopani Copper Mines is yet to issue a statement on the accident.

Labels: LABOUR, MINING, MOPANI, SAFETY

posted by MrK @ 5:33 PM