Zambia Launches Investigation into Water Pollution in Copperbelt Region
The Zambian government has launched an investigation into water pollution in the Copperbelt, primarily linked to mining activities. Minister Mike Mposha emphasized the need for stricter regulations on storage facilities following pollution incidents, notably an acid spill from Sino Metals. The investigation aims to assess the ecological impact and ensure compliance with environmental standards while updating the public on progress.
The Zambian government has initiated an independent investigation into the pollution affecting the nation’s waterways, particularly in the Copperbelt region, due to environmental damage associated with mining activities. Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Mike Mposha, has urged for increased regulation of storage facilities, including tailings dams, following numerous pollution incidents.
During a tour of the Mimbula Mine in Chingola, Minister Mposha stressed the necessity for improved safety protocols in light of an emergency heap leaching pond collapse that contaminated the Chabanyama stream. The government’s swift reaction to a significant environmental crisis—the acid spill in the Mwambashi and Kafue rivers on February 18, attributed to Sino Metals Leach Zambia Limited—reflects growing concern among local residents and environmentalists.
To analyze the spill’s repercussions, authorities have commissioned an independent investigation to evaluate its effects on aquatic ecosystems and community livelihoods. This inquiry will also investigate the integrity of tailings dams and storage mechanisms to identify the cause and propose preventive measures.
A compliance order issued to Sino Metals on February 21 is still in effect, pending an independent evaluation confirming that no heavy metal residues pose long-term health risks to local residents, livestock, and water supplies. The Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) is responsible for expediting this assessment while collaborating with stakeholders to mitigate the environmental impact.
Mimbula Mine Managing Director Theo Sylver announced improvements in the Chabanyama stream’s water quality due to substantial cleanup efforts, with an investment amounting to 10.3 million kwacha dedicated to remediation initiatives. The National Union of Miners and Allied Workers (NUMAW) has supported calls for stricter regulations, while President Saul Simujika has condemned mining companies for compromising public safety.
Furthermore, the Veterinary Association of Zambia (VAZ) has expressed concerns regarding the water pollution from the Sino Metals spill, highlighting its adverse effects on livestock and the resultant environmental and economic consequences. The government remains committed to updating the public on the investigation while urging mining firms to adhere strictly to environmental regulations to avert future ecological harm.
In conclusion, the Zambian government’s proactive approach to investigate mining-related water pollution in the Copperbelt reflects its commitment to environmental safety and public health. The concerted effort to enhance regulations and compliance monitoring aims to protect aquatic ecosystems and community livelihoods from mining operations’ detrimental effects. Continuous communication with the public and strict adherence to environmental policies by mining companies are essential for sustainable management of the nation’s natural resources.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
