LUBAMBE COPPER MINE ARE THE 2025 ZAMBIA MINES RESCUE NATIONAL FINAL HEAT COMPETITION CHAMPIONS
The Chililabombwe Copper Mine emerged victorious after beating seven other teams at the mine rescue competition held at the Victoria Falls Hydro Power Station in Livingstone.
The Lubamba Mine rescue team scooped the best team in field events, best team in evacuation techniques and firefighting, best team in underground rescue simulation and best team in first aid scenarios awards. In second position was NFCA Mining of Chambishi and KCM Konkola mine of Chililabombwe scooped third position.
Speaking during the awards gala night in Livingstone, Zambia Chamber of Mines (ZCM) chief executive officer Sokwani Chilembo said mining was a pillar of the Zambian economy yet carried inherent dangers that demanded constant vigilance.
Mr Chilembo said over the past few years, the mining industry had witnessed both inspiring successes and sobering lessons from incidents that challenged the systems.
He said the efforts led by industry leaders had repeatedly underscored that safety was a collaborative mission, one that blends state-of-the-art equipment, rigorous training, and coordinated response plans to save lives and protect property.
“We gather not only to acknowledge the critical role of mine rescue services in Zambia’s mining industry, but also to celebrate the bravery, dedication, and advanced expertise that these teams bring to every rescue operation,” Mr Chilembo said.
Zambia Mines Rescue (ZMR) president Gabriel Zulu said the awards were about honouring the courage, dedication, and excellence demonstrated by the rescue teams. Mr Zulu said mine rescue was a calling rooted in service, sacrifice, and skill.
“Over the past five days, we have witnessed eight teams from five mining companies step into action, pushing themselves through physically demanding drills, complex rescue scenarios, and critical medical simulations. These activities are not just competitions; they are a reflection of the real-life readiness that saves lives in the mining sector,” he said.
He thanked the Zambia Chamber of Mines for their unwavering support and belief in the vision of a safer mining industry.
He said ZMR was filled with excitement and pride, having been entrusted to host the 2026 International Mines Rescue Competition (IMRC) which would bring 25 international teams to Zambia. The IMRC Zambia 2026 will be hosted by Mopani Copper Mines and FQM Kansanshi Mining in Mufulira and Solwezi respectively from 26th April to 8th May 2026, while Livingstone city will host the closing ceremony.
Lubambe Copper Mine deputy chief executive officer Daniel Chihili said the awards were a source of pride and confidence for the mining company.
“Being one of the newest mines in the country, Lubambe Mine management is happy that we have a cadre of employees that are able to swiftly respond to unforeseen circumstances. We have heavily invested in the development and training of our miners,” he said.
Eight teams of Lubambe , Konkola, Nchanga, NFCA, Mufulira, Nkana, Luanshya and Nampundwe mines rescue teams participated in the 2025 competition.
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