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The Zambian government has directed Sino Metals Leach Zambia Limited, a Chinese-owned mining firm, to immediately halt operations at its Tailing Storage Dam TD15F and the adjacent TD15E and TD15D dams.
This followed the breach of the dams’ embankment, which led to pollution of the Kafue River, Mwambashi River, and Lusale Stream in Copperbelt Province.
Green Economy and Environment Minister, Mike Mposha, made the announcement during a media briefing in Lusaka on Monday.
He stated that the company’s operations would only resume once the damaged embankment has been repaired.
“The Environmental Management Act No. 12 of 2011, as amended by Act No. 8 of 2023, grants ZEMA the authority to issue an environmental restoration order when there is contamination or pollution of the environment,” Mposha explained.
As part of the environmental restoration order, Sino Metals Leach has been instructed to immediately repair the breached section of the tailing dams and strengthen existing structures to prevent further environmental hazards.
The company is also required to rehabilitate the affected areas, including soil restoration and reforestation.
Additionally, Sino Metals Leach must supply a safe and sustainable source of drinking water to affected communities until water quality is restored.
“The company must engage an independent environmental consultant to continuously monitor both surface and groundwater quality,” Mposha said.
Sino Metals Leach is further mandated to work with the Ministry of Agriculture and relevant authorities to assess the damage to crops, soil, and aquatic ecosystems.
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Continuous lime dosing must also be implemented downstream of the affected water bodies, with additional dosing points established along Mwambashi and Kafue rivers.
Mposha stated that the company must launch a community awareness campaign to keep residents informed and ensure a steady supply of clean drinking water.
“An assessment of the biodiversity in Lusale Stream, Mwambashi River, Kafue River, and all other affected areas should be completed, and a report submitted to ZEMA by March 30, 2025,” he added.
Mposha confirmed that Sino Metals Leach Zambia Limited had already begun procuring alternative drinking water sources for the impacted communities.
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