Zambia’s government is launching an independent probe into pollution in the Copperbelt region’s waterways, largely linked to mining. Minister Mike Mposha calls for stricter oversight after multiple pollution incidents, including a significant acid spill attributed to Sino Metals. The investigation will assess the damage to ecosystems and community livelihoods and evaluate the safety of tailings dams.
The Zambian government is initiating an independent investigation into pollution affecting waterways in the Copperbelt region, primarily connected to mining activities. Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Mike Mposha, highlighted the need for stricter oversight of mining-related storage facilities, especially tailings dams, following a series of pollution incidents.
During a visit to Mimbula Mine, Mposha stressed the necessity for improved safety measures after a collapse of a heap leaching pond resulted in contamination of the Chabanyama stream. This event marked a significant environmental crisis, compounding existing issues stemming from a major acid spill in the Mwambashi and Kafue rivers, which occurred on February 18, attributed to Sino Metals Leach Zambia Limited.
The recent acid spill raised significant alarms among local communities and environmental advocates, prompting the government to commission an independent investigation to assess its impact on aquatic life, ecosystems, and local livelihoods. This inquiry will evaluate the structural integrity of tailings dams and recommend necessary preventative measures to avert future incidents.
A compliance order issued to Sino Metals on February 21 is in effect until an independent assessment confirms that no long-term risks from heavy metal residues exist for residents, livestock, or water sources. The Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) has been assigned to accelerate the evaluation process and to collaborate with stakeholders in addressing the resulting damage.
Managing Director of Mimbula Mine, Theo Sylver, reported that remedial actions have improved the Chabanyama stream’s water quality, with 10.3 million kwacha allocated for cleanup initiatives. The National Union of Miners and Allied Workers (NUMAW), along with President Saul Simujika, have echoed calls for stringent regulations, criticizing mining companies that jeopardize public safety.
The Veterinary Association of Zambia (VAZ) has raised concerns regarding the spill’s impact on livestock, which exacerbates environmental and economic consequences. The government has committed to keeping the public updated on the investigation’s progress and stressed that compliance with environmental policies is crucial for preventing further ecological harm.
The Zambian government is taking significant steps to address the pollution crisis in the Copperbelt region, emphasizing the importance of environmental safety in mining operations. An independent investigation will assess the impacts of recent spills on ecosystems and communities, while compliance monitoring of mining companies is critical to avoid future pollution incidents.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
