MOPANI ROLLS OUT WATER PURIFICATION SYSTEM FOR MINERS
MOPANI Copper Mines PLC has successfully launched the first phase of its Water Purification System, aimed at providing safe and clean drinking water for both Mopani and contractor employees working underground.
The Water Purification System consists of PXD filters (glass medium filters), water tanks, and online chlorinators for automated and effective chlorination. Water flows through a 1,000-liter tank, passes through the filters, and is then stored in a 10,000-litre tank for optimal purification and storage.
“This water is treated firstly from our treatment plant, which is the main plant, then further treated and purified through the system itself,” explained Nkana Engineering Manager, Mr. Marvin Mwansa at the launch of the Water Purification System.
“We have done adequate tests to the highest level through our ISO-certified Analytical Services Laboratories and our Public Health system to ensure the purity of this water. It’s good water, safe water. All the tests have passed the standards for drinking water.”
Mr. Mwansa disclosed that Phase Two of the project would focus on installing vessels and essential equipment underground to purify underground water and convert it into potable water, thereby ensuring a sustainable supply of safe drinking water for the miners underground.
Acting Nkana South Mine Manager, Mr. Edward Soriano, announced that Nkana South Mine has so far provided over 1,900 one-liter drinking bottles to ensure that every underground worker has access to clean water.
“So, what this means now is when I come for work, I have got this water bottle, and I am assured I will get clean water before I proceed underground. I think now, one of the major things we will be asking for [on the checklist] are the water bottles, before someone proceeds underground because we want our employees to keep hydrated. This is a big positive change for us, a big step in the right direction,” Mr Soriano emphasised.
Mineworkers Union of Zambia (MUZ) Chairman, Mr. Christopher Nkandu commended management for implementing the water purification system which he said would go a long way in improving the health and morale of the employees.
“From the employee side, we are so happy to have this system. We started advocating for such a facility some time back, should be in 2020, when I was also a shop steward by then. I became a Chairperson, we continued here, but finally the system has been set up of which we are so happy as employees. It will benefit us as we go underground,” Mr. Nkandu said.
The implementation of the Water Purification System is part of the companywide initiatives being championed to improve employee welfare under Mopani’s new corporate culture programme dubbed “TukaChimfya Pamo (Together We Shall Conquer)”.
Esther Malama, the culture change coordinator, emphasised the importance of employees safeguarding the newly-installed Water Purification System.
“This is our water. This is our equipment. So, if we love our equipment, if we love our company, we will truly take care of such things that are given to us. If we don’t take care of such things, the upcoming generation won’t have anywhere to get good things. In the true spirit of Ubuntu [humanity], let us take care of company property, be a brother’s keeper and take care of each other,” she said.
