OBITUARY

Darius Muma - 26 September 1976 - 20th October 2021

Darius Muma graduated from the University of Zambia (UNZA) in 2004 with a BSc Chemistry degree. He worked as an Environmental Project Assistant at UNZA School of Mines with the Advocacy for Environmental Restoration Zambia (AREZ), before joining Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) Nchanga Mine in Chingola as a Graduate Chemist. He remained with KCM for 8½ years, progressing through the ranks to Senior Chemist, Sectional Chemist, and Acting Head of Analytical Services. During this time he gained a Diploma in Business Management (Association of Business Executives, UK). In February 2014 Darius moved to Mopani Copper Mines Mufulira Mine to take up a position of Assistant Superintendent: Analytical Services. the position he held when he passed on. Darius was very keen in advancing his scope in the science field, resulting in his obtaining several educational and professional postgraduate qualifications. While at Mufulira, he completed a Bachelor of Education in Environmental Education at UNZA, and an MSc in Sustainable Mineral Resource Development under the Education for Sustainable Development in Africa (ESDA) joint programme of the University of Cape Town's Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment and the UNZA School of Mines.

Darius had a wide range of specialized skills and training in mineral sampling and assaying, including X-ray fluorescence, fire assay and related pyrometallugical analysis techniques, laboratory auditing, chemometrics and intelligent laboratory systems, metallurgical accounting, and laboratory information management systems and project management. He was a BSI Certified Auditor for BSI ISO 14001 and Lead Auditor for BSI ISO 9001.

He was a Member of the SAIMM and the Chairperson of the SAIMM Zambia Branch since 2015. He was also the Northern Region Vice President of the Chemical Society of Zambia, an organization tasked with building, entrenching, and promoting chemistry and its application in Zambia, and a student member of ABE, UK.

Darius initiated a number of professional and education programmes which have benefited many. He will be greatly missed by his colleagues and the chemistry fraternity.

Darius is survived by his wife Priscilla, and his three children; Martin, Precious, and Gracious.

O. Mahenga

S. Moolla