By 
The World Wide Fund for Nature Zambia (WWF) has called for a comprehensive audit of all tailings dams linked to mining activities across the country to prevent future environmental disasters.
The call followed the February 18, 2025, tailings dam breach at Sino Leach Metal Zambia, which resulted in pollution of the Mwambashi River and Lusale Stream, ultimately contaminating the Kafue River downstream.
WWF Zambia Country Director Nalucha Ziba, in a statement issued in Lusaka on Wednesday, stressed the need for the audit to be conducted in collaboration with the Engineering Institution of Zambia (EIZ).
She also urged environmental audits of all mining entities that have been issued with restoration orders, warning that mines found in violation should be required to implement corrective measures before resuming operations and should face penalties.
“The spillages have caused significant environmental damage, affecting vital ecosystems and the livelihoods of local communities and businesses dependent on these waterbodies,” Ziba said.
She described the pollution as a catastrophic and preventable failure, warning that severe contamination of critical water sources poses both immediate and long-term risks to the environment and public health.
Ziba called for stricter regulations on industrial effluent management, increased water quality monitoring, and improved waste management practices.
She emphasized that immediate action was required to mitigate the pollution’s impact, with full accountability from the responsible mining company under the Polluter Pays Principle.
“WWF is also calling on the government and relevant stakeholders to ensure that water quality meets WHO drinking water standards and that the supply of clean water—especially to peri-urban communities—is sustained until their water sources and wells are confirmed safe,” Ziba said.
She stressed that economic growth must be pursued alongside stringent preventive measures to avoid similar incidents in the future.
Both the government and mining companies, she said, should prioritise sustainable practices and invest in technologies that reduce environmental risks.
Ziba further called for increased funding to the Water Resources Management Authority (WARMA), the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA), and the Mines Safety Department to enhance their capacity for regulatory oversight.
“WARMA should update the nation on the status of the Kafue River pollution through its continued water quality monitoring of all mining operations in the affected area,” she added.
WWF’s statement comes amid growing concerns over the environmental impact of mining activities, with calls for stronger enforcement of regulations to safeguard Zambia’s water resources.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
Comments