Late last year Zhu Qingping walked hesitantly towards the gate of Collum Coal Mine in Maamba, southern Zambia, greeted by the jeers of striking miners. Unable to understand English, the Chinese manager stared blankly as the miners shouted demands for money, then retreated across the dusty yard to his office.
It was a more civil encounter than occurred at Collum in October, when two managers opened fire at a group of angry workers, injuring 13. The miners gathered outside the office compound were still upset about what they say are low wages, and accuse the Chinese-owned company of ignoring labour laws.
“Our pay hasn’t gone up in two years, and it’s much lower than at most other mines,” says Lister Mulambo, 26. “It’s dangerous work but the protective clothing isn’t good enough, and they don’t replace it every six months like they’re supposed to by law. If you die or lose a leg, they pay no compensation. If you complain, they fire you.”