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Former Kasenengwa lawmaker, Sensio Banda, has called for amendments to Zambia’s environmental laws to ensure mining companies face severe penalties for environmental damage.
Banda urged the government to grant the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) greater regulatory powers to prevent pollution and corruption in the mining sector.
In an interview with Zambia Monitor, he emphasized the need for stricter laws to increase the economic cost of non-compliance, making it financially unviable for companies to violate environmental regulations.
“The penalties must reflect the true cost of environmental degradation and the harm caused to local communities,” Banda stated.
Banda condemned the recent pollution of the Mwambashi, Lusale, and Kafue rivers due to an acidic spill by Sino Leach Metal Zambia, calling it a devastating crisis that demands immediate intervention.
“This isn’t the first time we’ve witnessed such environmental disasters in Zambia. We’ve seen companies like KCM pollute the Kafue River and escape with minimal penalties,” he said.
He stressed that stringent environmental laws would ensure accountability and compel mining companies like KCM and Sino Leach to adopt higher safety standards for waste storage and management.
“The damage is far-reaching—ecosystems are destroyed, people’s livelihoods are affected, and farmers and fishermen are now struggling. The long-term health implications are significant,” Banda warned.
He urged the government to provide urgent relief, including food and clean water, to affected communities, while re-evaluating the approval process for mining operations to prevent future disasters.
The Centre for Environment Justice (CEJ) also called for justice following the tailings dam collapse at Sino Leach Metal Zambia.
CEJ Executive Director Maggie Mwape described the spill as an environmental catastrophe, warning that it posed serious risks to public health, food security, and biodiversity.
“The dead fish floating on riverbanks, sick livestock, and communities left without safe drinking water paint a grim picture,” Mwape said.
While commending the swift response by the Ministries of Green Economy, Water Development, Mines, and Livestock, she stressed the need for long-term solutions beyond emergency interventions.
“This crisis requires more than short-term relief—it demands accountability and a justice-driven approach to support affected communities,” she said.
On February 18, 2025, Tailings Dam 15F at Sino Leach Metal Zambia collapsed, releasing over 50 million liters of highly acidic leach residue into the Mwambashi and Kafue rivers.
With pH levels between 1.8 and 3.5, the spill has caused unprecedented contamination, endangering human lives, aquatic ecosystems, and livestock dependent on these water sources.
Meanwhile, government has cautioned regulatory agencies, including the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) and the Water Resources Management Agency (WARMA), against enabling environmental violations, urging them to prioritise environmental protection.
Green Economy and Environment Minister, Collins Nzovu, in a statement issued in Lusaka on Monday, called on government officials to act in the country’s best interest and resist bribery.
Nzovu confirmed that investigations into pollution affecting the Kafue, Mwambashi, and other streams were ongoing, warning that officers found complicit would face disciplinary action.
“I am pleased to report that our recent efforts to address the water pollution crisis on the Copperbelt have yielded positive results,” he said.
Nkana Water and Sewerage Company had since resumed normal water supply to Kitwe and Kalulushi, with officials confirming the water was safe for consumption.
Nzovu commended Mines Minister Paul Kabuswe and Copperbelt Provincial Minister Elisha Matambo for their proactive response to the crisis.
Nzovu stated that technical teams, acting on President Hakainde Hichilema’s directive, were working to neutralize acid discharged into the Kafue River.
The government has engaged South African experts to assist in cleaning the river system, with lime being applied to reduce further pollution.
“Protecting our rivers and water sources is paramount, and we will spare no effort in ensuring their integrity,” he said.
During an inspection, authorities discovered that Rongxing Mineral Processing Plant in Kalulushi had been polluting the river system.
The government has since shut down the plant, ordered an immediate cleanup, and demanded compensation for affected communities.
“We commend the people of Kalulushi for reporting these environmental violations. We urge all citizens to report illegal activities and support efforts to protect the environment,” Nzovu said.
Care for Nature Zambia Executive Director, Nsama Kearns, commended the government’s response but stressed the need for proactive measures to prevent future pollution incidents.
“This case has opened our eyes, and hopefully, we will see greater compliance with environmental laws by mining companies and related industries,” Kearns said.
She urged ZEMA and WARMA to conduct regular and rigorous inspections to prevent similar disasters.
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