By 
Mines and Mineral Development Minister Paul Kabuswe says government’s preliminary report shows Sino Metals Leach Limited neglected critical issues leading to the spillage of acids into Mwambashi and Kafue Rivers.
Speaking during a media briefing after touring the failing dams in Chambishi on Sunday, Kabuswe said the government cannot rule out negligence by the mining firm .
“Our preliminary report shows Sino Metals was negligent in the way the tailing dam was operated because the they should have noticed early enough that the dam will burst,” he observed .
Kabuswe directed Sino Metals to ensure that all affected farmers were compensated adequately. He also directed the Mine Safety Department to ensure all mines in the country adhered to health and safety requirements to protect and safeguard life.
Copperbelt Minister, Elisha Matambo said Zambia National Service (ZNS) and the Road Development Agency (RDA) had engaged to provide additional water bousers to aid residents affected by the water contamination.
“Sino Metals has provided 6,000 litres of diesel which will go a long way in helping communities overcome the water supply situation,” Matambo said.
Read more:nkana-water-deploys-bowsers-as-water-crisis-persists-in-kitwe-chambishi-kalulushi
He directed the Provincial Agriculture Coordinator to come up with a list of affected farmers stretching from Chambishi to Mpongwe due to spillage.
Sino Metals Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Martin Hamukusana, said the company regretted the incident and will do everything possible to avoid the recurrence of contamination.
“Since the accident was detected on February 18, 2025, we have been working with authorities to see how we can avoid the spread of contamination,” Hamukusana said.
The contamination was caused by alleged failure of Sino Metals’ tailings dam, which released pollutants into the Mwambashi and Kafue Rivers.
As a result, NWSSC shut down water supply to Kitwe over safety concerns.
In a public notice issued on Thursday, the company assured residents that water supplied before the shutdown was safe for consumption.
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