Mopani Copper Mines Clashes with Kankoyo MP Over Black Mountain Rights
A heated dispute has erupted between Mopani Copper Mines (MCM) and Kankoyo Member of Parliament, Hon. Heartson Mabeta, over the contentious issue of Tailings Dam 11 (TD 11), commonly known as the Mufulira Black Mountain.
The mining firm has publicly denied any scheduled meeting between its CEO, Engineer Charles Sakanya, and Mabeta, prompting a furious response from the lawmaker, who has accused MCM of acting against the interests of the United Party for National Development (UPND) government.
In a strongly worded press statement, Mabeta maintained that he had been engaging the Mopani CEO on issues concerning the Black Mountain and had been set to meet him before the company’s abrupt public denial.
He accused Mopani of deliberately obstructing government-backed efforts to empower local artisanal miners. “Since Eng. Sakanya has now clearly crossed the line, we shall take him on,” Mabeta declared, giving the CEO a 48-hour ultimatum to retract the statement or face political opposition.
Mopani’s move to distance itself from Mabeta’s claims suggests deeper tensions between the government and private mining firms operating in Zambia.
While the UPND administration has made repeated commitments to ensure that local communities benefit from mining resources, particularly the copper-rich tailings, companies like Mopani appear resistant to such directives. The company’s denial raises critical questions: Was the meeting truly scheduled? If so, why would Mopani deny it? Or is Mabeta leveraging the situation for political mileage?
At the heart of the matter is the control of the Black Mountain, a high-stakes issue that has historically been marred by political interests, corruption, and corporate maneuvering.
Mopani’s reluctance to cede control suggests the possibility of vested interests in the tailings, a claim that Mabeta has boldly hinted at. On the other hand, Mabeta’s aggressive stance risks turning a policy dispute into a personal political war, which could further complicate the government’s relations with key mining investors.
This incident also highlights a broader challenge in Zambia’s mining sector—corporate resistance to government-led resource redistribution. While mining firms cite legal and operational concerns, local leaders argue that these companies have long exploited Zambia’s wealth without adequately benefiting the communities.
The Mopani-Mabeta standoff exemplifies this ongoing battle, with the MP framing himself as a defender of Kankoyo’s residents against corporate indifference.
However, Mabeta’s approach raises concerns about political overreach. His threats to treat Mopani’s CEO as a political opponent blur the lines between governance and personal vendetta. If mining investors perceive government officials as adversarial figures, it could deter future investments and complicate efforts to negotiate fair partnerships.
Instead of escalating the dispute, a more structured dialogue between Mopani, the Ministry of Mines, and local representatives would be a more effective way to resolve the issue.
Ultimately, the Mopani-Mabeta standoff is a symptom of Zambia’s long-standing struggle to balance corporate interests with community empowerment.
The Black Mountain remains a valuable resource, but without clear policy direction and transparent engagement, it risks becoming another flashpoint in Zambia’s turbulent mining history. Whether Mopani will yield to pressure or hold its ground remains to be seen—but one thing is certain: the people of Kankoyo will be watching closely.