Kamoa Copper Agents Demonstrate in Kolwezi Demanding Better Social Conditions

Employees of the mining company Kamoa Copper S.A. took to the streets in Kolwezi on Friday, July 10, to demand better social conditions and an expedited revision of their collective bargaining agreement. The protest involved workers from the Kakula, Kasonko, and Kamoa One mining sites.

Protesters expressed dissatisfaction with what they perceive as delays in addressing their social and professional demands. The situation turned confrontational as clashes erupted between demonstrators and law enforcement officers deployed at the company's facilities. Police used high-pressure water cannons to disperse the crowd, prompting some protesters to throw projectiles at officers.

Official reports on injuries or material damage were unavailable at the time of publication. However, workers stated that the mobilization stemmed from the recent tragic death of a colleague at the Kakula mine. This incident, they believe, underscored the urgent need for enhanced social, safety, and professional guarantees for the company's employees.

Key demands include an immediate $1,000 bonus for all agents involved in mining operations and a daily $50 allowance for workers residing in camps during their shifts. "The two points for immediate action are the $1,000 fund bonus for each agent linked to the mine's operations and the $50 per day camp bonus for each agent residing in the camp during their duty," stated protest representatives. They urged management to consider these claims promptly, ideally with the July payroll.

Furthermore, the workers are pushing for the swift conclusion of ongoing discussions between employee representatives and the employer regarding the revision of the collective agreement. Kamoa Copper S.A. officials had not yet issued a statement regarding the demands or the incidents by the time of this report.

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The two points for immediate action are the $1,000 fund bonus for each agent linked to the mine's operations and the $50 per day camp bonus for each agent residing in the camp during their duty. We ask the management to kindly consider our two claims starting with this July payroll.