Mopani Mine Workers Get 13% Salary Increase

Unionised employees of Mopani Copper Mine will receive a 13% salary increase across the board following the 2024 agreement between the union and the mine.

This bonus will be implemented alongside the recently signed salary increment. The agreement means that the most junior unionised workers will get a salary increase of K800, with the senior employees receiving K1400.

This news was revealed during the signing ceremony in Kitwe. Mopani Copper Mines Employee Relations Manager Justine Chiwama also revealed that they are going to employ a further 441 new miners.

Chiwama praised the new equity partner, International Resources Holdings (IRH), for reaching a deal with the union within a month.

Joseph Chewe, president of the Mineworkers Union of Zambia, described the talks as difficult due to the rise of fake news on social media which promised workers fake increments. However, Chewe thanked the government for partnering with IRH, who he called a responsible partner for the mine.

Saul Simujika, President of the National Union of Miners and Allied Workers, stated that the unions agreed to the 13% salary increment to facilitate the arrival of IRH at Mopani. He urged fellow miners to work to exceed the expectations of management going forward.