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Government is concerned that Truestone Mineral Processing Limited in Chalata area of Mkushi District of Central Province has diverted water from Kafwa Stream for purposes of obtaining water to wash Manganese.
Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Collins Nzovu, said the water from the Manganese wash plant finds its way back to the stream through tailings (mine waste) discharge.
Nzovu said the Manganese Wash Plant was found operating despite the plant being issued with an Environmental Protection Order in September 2022 by the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) that ceased all operations at the manganese wash plant.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Tuesday, during an on the spot check on Monday in Mkushi, Nzovu noted with concern that pollution of the Kafwa Stream was the worst violation for the people of Kafwa area in Mkushi District.
He has cautioned all the mining and processing plants to comply to the Environment Management Act No.12 of 2011 and encouraged the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) to continue conducting routine inspections to ensure compliance.
Read More:ZEMA impounds 6 trucks laden with manganese ore from illegal mining sites in Serenje.
Nzovu has also urged the local authorities through the District Commissioner’s office to collaborate with the Ministry to enhance efforts in ensuring compliance by the mining and processing plants as the pollution has the potential to harm the environment and human health of the local people.
“Members of the public may wish to know that some of the mining plants in Mkushi have complied with environmental regulations with respect to the Environmental Orders served on them while others still need to comply,” he said.
Nzovu commended those that have complied and encourage others to emulate those that have put in place measures to mitigate pollution.
“The government is ready to support Manganese Mining Companies adhering to environmental laws,” he said.
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