Govt says Kafue River pollution contained, Sino Metals to be held accountable for long-term clean up measures

The government has announced that the acidic pollution in the Kafue River has been contained, with PH levels now within acceptable limits.

The contamination followed a breach in the tailing dams of Sino Metals Leach Zambia Limited, a Chinese-owned mining company operating in Copperbelt Province.

As a result, the firm was ordered to immediately halt operations after pollutants were released into the Kafue River, Mwambashi River, and Lusale Stream.

Green Economy and Environment Minister, Mike Mposha, told Parliament on Friday that a technical team engaged in lime dosing would continue monitoring PH levels daily for the next two weeks to ensure stability.

“The pollution incident at Sino Metals Leach Zambia has underscored the importance of environmental compliance and safety in the mining sector,” Mposha said.

While emergency response efforts have helped mitigate immediate risks, he stressed that the company would be held accountable for long-term cleanup measures.

Mposha also commended various government agencies, private sector players, and local communities for their swift response in addressing the crisis.

“A joint multidisciplinary technical team was formed, comprising the Zambia Air Force, Zambia Environmental Management Agency, Water Resources Management Agency, and the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock,” he said.

He added that approximately 240 tonnes of lime were mobilised for treatment, successfully reducing acidity levels in the affected waterways.

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