Deadly Explosion at Zambian Copper Mine Leaves 46 Killed

At least 46 people have been killed in a devastating explosion at an explosives factory on the premises of the Chambishi mine in Zambia. The blast tore through the factory, destroying the plant and causing widespread destruction. The plant, owned by China's NFC Mining Africa Plc, was a major supplier of explosives for several copper mines in the country.

Key Takeaways:

• The explosion occurred at an explosives factory owned by China's NFC Mining Africa Plc, at the Chambishi mine in Zambia.
• At least 46 people were killed in the blast, with some reports suggesting there could have been more people in the plant at the time of the explosion.
• The factory, known as the Bgrimm Explosives Plant, was a major supplier of explosives for several copper mines in Zambia.
• Chambishi mine officials reported that the mine's production had not been affected by the accident, despite the explosion occurring on the premises.
• The mine was on course to produce 65,000 metric tons of copper concentrate in 2005, up from 49,054 tons in 2004.
• NFC Africa is 85% owned by China Non-Ferrous Metals Industries' Foreign Engineering and Construction Group, with Zambia's ZCCM Holdings Plc holding a 15% stake.

Statistics:

• 46 people killed in the explosion at the Chambishi mine's explosives factory.
• The factory was owned by China's NFC Mining Africa Plc.
• 50 people were reportedly in the plant at the time of the blast.
• The mine was on course to produce 65,000 metric tons of copper concentrate in 2005.
• Production in 2004 was 49,054 tons.
• NFC Africa is 85% owned by China Non-Ferrous Metals Industries' Foreign Engineering and Construction Group.
• Zambia's ZCCM Holdings Plc holds a 15% stake in NFC Africa.

Sources:

• Reuters news agency
• Dow Jones Commodities News via Comtex
• China's NFC Mining Africa Plc
• Chambishi mine officials
• Zambia's ZCCM Holdings Plc
• China Non-Ferrous Metals Industries' Foreign Engineering and Construction Group