Mopani Copper Mines PLC has unveiled a fleet of underground man-riding buses set to transform daily commutes for employees across its operations in Kitwe and Mufulira.
Speaking at the handover ceremony for the first batch of more than 20 man-riding carriers, Chief Operating Officer Rajvee Bora said the vehicles directly address one of underground mining’s most persistent challenges — the long distances workers must travel on foot to reach their workstations.
The 20 buses, each with a 32-seat capacity, form part of a broader acquisition of 47 pieces of operational equipment and machinery procured from Finnish manufacturer Normet. Mr. Bora noted that the carriers are expected to boost both safety and productivity, with employees arriving at their workstations more rested and ready to perform.
“With employees no longer required to walk long distances underground, the workforce will arrive at work more energised and ready to perform, ultimately supporting stronger operational output,” he said.
Normet Global Chief Executive Officer Eduardo Santamaria reaffirmed the company’s commitment to delivering solutions tailored to the realities of underground mining environments and the people who work in them.
Nkana South Mine Manager Evans Chilekwa welcomed the delivery warmly, noting that movement challenges had long hampered operations — from routine workflow to emergency response times.
“Our operations in most cases have been hampered by movement. Even the response to breakdowns, whether from electrical sites or mobile equipment, has been a challenge. But today, that challenge is coming to an end,” he said, urging employees to treat the new equipment with care. “This equipment is ours — please, let’s look after it.”
Chief Financial Officer Sharad Gargiya echoed that sentiment, stressing that management remains firmly committed to equipping workers with machinery that enables safe and efficient production. He highlighted employee safety as Mopani’s foremost priority and urged all staff to use only vehicles specifically designated for man-riding.
