By Clement Mudaala in Mazabuka
Over 500 Munali Nickel Mine workers held a peaceful protest yesterday in Mazabuka district, demanding payment of their outstanding salaries and remittances of statutory contributions owed to NAPSA, NHIMA, and Saturnia Regna Pension Fund.
In July this year, the workers were sent on indefinite leave and were promised continued monthly payments.
But four months down the line, the workers are now up in arms for going three months without salaries, despite pay slips that indicate statutory deductions.
Gathering at the mine’s main gate with police permission, the protesters expressed frustration over what they described as “neglect” by management and government authorities.
The workers allege that the current management has failed to engage them despite repeated requests for dialogue.
And in a dramatic turn of events, responding to yesterday’s protest, area member of parliament Garry Nkombo undertook a lightning visit to the site after seeing the demonstration on television.
To his credit, Mr. Nkombo was able to calm the situation, announcing that a crisis meeting would be held this afternoon (11th November) at parliament buildings at Lusaka’s Manda Hill, involving representatives from the ministry of mines, ministry of labour, ministry of housing, Albidon management, and workers’ unions to address the matter.
At the time of going to press, the meeting was still underway, while details of the meetings’ discussions or conclusions are as yet undisclosed.
“People have been chased out of their rented houses and are now keeping their belongings in bars. I’m from Kafue, but I feel the pain of those who came from the Copperbelt — I’m keeping properties for 16 people. We’re here at our own mine gate, yet the management has locked us out in our own country,” one worker lamented.
Another worker added: “For three months, we haven’t been paid. Our pay slips show deductions for Saturnia, NHIMA, and NAPSA, but when we check, the funds have not been remitted. We are appealing to the president to intervene — we are suffering.”
The mine was placed into voluntary liquidation in September 2025 with previous operators, Mabiza Resources, giving up operational control to current mine leaseholders, Albidon Mining Limited.
Mabiza Resources had operated the mine as a subsidiary of UK-based Consolidated Nickel Mines (CNM). (see https://makanday.org/new-hope-for-closed-munali-nickel-mine/)
Union chairperson Misheck Matebele said the situation has become dire, with many workers evicted from their homes and struggling to survive.
“Workers were sent home and promised to be paid, but up to now, nothing has been received. NAPSA and Saturnia contributions were not remitted, and salaries remain unpaid. Over 500 workers are affected,” Matebele stated.
He further revealed that government had released K20 million to the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) for the workers’ benefit payments, but the funds have allegedly been withheld due to claims from creditors.
“We are appealing to government to direct ZRA to release the money. That money is ours — it’s from our own sweat,” Matebele declared.
According to a worker, police had earlier refused to accompany the protesting workers in their quest to meet management, unless they were provided with lunch allowances — an action condemned by both the workers and area MP Garry Nkombo.
Produced by Mazabuka FM for MakanDay. The article has been edited and fact-checked by MakanDay.
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