Govt raises concern over low compliance level by some mining firms in Southern province

Collins Nzovu, Green Economy and Environment Minister, is concern with the unsafe mining methods, poor management of waste water and lack of dust suppression mechanisms being exhibited by some mining companies in Southern Province.

Nzovu is also concerned that some mining companies have not fully compensated the people living in the licensed areas and urged them to do so as soon as possible.

He stressed that the treatment of waste water in mining companies was very important as people and animals depended on this same water for their livelihood.

He said this on Saturday when inspecting mining companies in Southern Province following complaints of pollution, cracks due to blasting, water contamination and for operating without approval among others.

Nzovu and the team visited Collum Coal Mine, Maamba Collieries Coal Mine, Seizic Mining Limited and African Power Coal.

“There is need for mining companies and other companies that intend to invest in the country to go to Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA), get the Environmental Management Act and other environmental orders,” he said.

Nzovu said the government was interested in expansion of the mining sector but not at the expense of human health and the environment.

He also emphasised the need for mining companies to undertake Social Corporate Responsibility in the areas where they were operating.

Nzovu urged those that were found compliant to continue to maintain the standards and for those found non-compliant, to immediately work on the non-compliances.

Senior Headman Siamududule from Mweemba Chiefdom complained about the dust and the contaminated water which had a huge effect on the school going children.

The traditional leader urged the mining companies to drill boreholes so that the people and animals stop drinking from contaminated water.

Meanwhile, ZEMA Acting Director Operations, Christopher Kanema, indicated that they would continue to monitor the compliance of all mining companies.

Kanema directed all mining companies in Sinazongwe District to comply immediately with the requirements of the Environmental Management Act and conditions of approval.

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