“You'll Be Fired if You Refuse” - Human Rights Watch

Problem of Subcontractors at Konkola Copper Mines (KCM)
Miners on contract at the Indian-owned KCM described a fairly strong system of health and
safety protections, including the replacement of damaged PPE, the ability to bring
complaints against bosses who pressure them to work in unsafe places, qualified safety
officers, an emphasis on daily safety talks before starting work, and weekly safety
instructions. One miner at the tailings and leach plant told Human Rights Watch that, due
to the concentration of chemicals in the work environment, the company sent employees
to a dental specialist each month. A previous report that focused on KCM found that the
company “offers direct employees some attractive terms, conditions and bonuses.” 209
However, there has been a longstanding problem at KCM over lower standards among the
subcontractors that the company uses to perform significant portions of the mining work.
Two reports published in 2007 by separate groups engaged in the Zambian mining sector
discussed this issue at length, finding problems related to safety practices, anti-union
activities, and wages among the subcontractors. 210
The divide between those on permanent contract at KCM and those working on shorterterm
contracts for KCM subcontractors remains a troubling issue according to KCM miners
interviewed by Human Rights Watch. A KCM union representative in Chingola said:
A big problem is the use of contractors. [KCM] has done major outsourcing
so that they don’t incur the costs of maintenance and equipment. The
plant is dilapidated, 78 percent of the open-pit work is done by
contractors, 50 percent of underground work is done by subcontractors.
There are 1977 KCM underground employees, 1997 underground
contractors…. They pay these guys less, and they don’t get the same
protection for safety or job security. 211
Another union representative said that, because they work on shorter-term contracts
without guarantees, the subcontracted miners will often “work through injuries, health
problems, anything to keep their job. This impacts the overall safety. They’re also more
reckless in putting production over safety, because they have no guarantees.” 212 The
209 Action for Southern Africa (ActSA), Undermining Development? Copper Mining in Zambia, October 2007, pp. 10-15.
210 Frasier and Lungu, For Whom the Windfalls, pp. 22-26; Action for Southern Africa (ActSA), Undermining Development?
Copper Mining in Zambia, October 2007, p. 10.
211 Human Rights Watch interview with union representative A at KCM, Chingola, November 14, 2010.
212 Human Rights Watch interview with union representative B at KCM, Chingola, November 14, 2010.
67 HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH | NOVEMBER 2011