Govt threatens to shut mining companies breaking set regulations

Government has threatened to close mining companies that do not comply with set regulations.

Green Economy and Environment Minister, Collins Nzovu, sounded the warning on behalf of government.

Nzovu said this during a visit to Amizo Power Engineering Limited, a Manganese mine in Luapula Province, on Tuesday.

The minister was disappointed that despite visiting the mining company in February this year, it had not complied with what it was told to do then.

During the visit in February, there was no sedimentation ponds to capture the silt and no treatment ponds for waste water.

There was also no environmental management personnel and no environmental licences.

The mining company was told to rectify the issues.

“This will not be done at the expense of the health of the people and the environment. The rule of law has been thrown out and the country cannot continue operating like this.

“Government will have no choice but to close the mining companies of repeated offenders who do not want to comply with the regulations,” Nzovu warned.

He stressed that government did not want to close the mines but to guide them so that they followed the guidelines provided and ensure the environment and the people were protected.

Nzovu said all mines should have a qualified mine manager and environmental expert as required by law.

Zambia Environment and Management Agency Northern Region Manager, Chrispin Simwanza, said the mining company was written to and instructed to implement the above directives and a follow up inspection made.

Simwanza, however, said it was sad that the company had failed to comply.

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