From the President's desk

May 2005 SAIMC

It is with tremendous sadness that I write this bulletin "From the President's Desk".

Fifty-one employees have been reported killed and a further 26 are still missing, presumed dead due to the explosion at the Chamibisi Explosives Factory (owned by the Chinese Company BGIMM) in the Copperbelt near Kitwe in Zambia.

This has struck a blow to our fellow SAIMC members in that region.

With the official investigation still underway (at time of going to press), it was reported that the explosion could be attributed to safety procedures not being adhered to. May this be a stern warning to all plant owners and operators that human lives are much more important than profit, and reduced awareness to aspects such as safety.

Please join me in offering our sincere condolences to the families affected by this tragedy.

For more information contact Cornu Perold, president, [email protected]

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