Body of Zambian engineers returns damning report on construction, management of Sino Metals’ dam

The recent dam failure at Sino Metals Leach Zambia Limited, which resulted in acid spillage into the Mwambashi and Kafue rivers, underscores long-standing weaknesses in dam inspection, licensing, and regulatory oversight within Zambia’s mining sector, the Engineering Institution of Zambia (EIZ) has warned.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, EIZ President, Wesley Kaluba, said investigations conducted by the institution’s team at the mine revealed that storing large volumes of concentrated acid in an inadequately secured dam pointed to potential negligence and flawed operational processes.

EIZ said it dispatched a team of senior engineers to assess the extent of the damage, evaluate corrective measures, and ensure compliance with engineering standards.

“Preliminary findings suggest potential flaws in the design, approval, and operational processes of the tailings dams. Observations of cracks, uncompacted walls, and inconsistent wall thicknesses raise serious concerns about the integrity of the structures,” Kaluba stated.

He added that there was no conclusive evidence that the dams were managed by qualified and licensed engineers.

Additionally, records of inspections, maintenance, and structural monitoring appeared incomplete or nonexistent.

The investigation also revealed a broader issue of non-compliance with safety regulations and best practices at Sino Metals Leach Zambia Limited, pointing to an inadequate safety culture.

Kaluba emphasized the urgent need to strengthen regulatory institutions and ensure that all tailings and water dams in Zambia’s mining sector undergo inspections, recertifications, and adherence to international engineering standards.

“EIZ stands ready to collaborate with the Government of Zambia and other stakeholders to address these challenges. The institution will provide its experts in dam design, operations, and maintenance to strengthen regulatory frameworks and prevent future disasters,” he said.

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