Minister Mposha concerned over mining pollution on Copperbelt, calls for environmental responsibility

Green Economy and Environment Minister, Mike Mposha, has expressed deep concern over acid spillage into major rivers by mining companies on the Copperbelt, describing the pollution as distressing.

Speaking in Kalumbila on Tuesday, Mposha said the environmental and water pollution caused by mining activities on the Copperbelt had been overwhelming.

“I hope my tour here will be relieving after being drained by the happenings on the Copperbelt. I am hoping that the mines here are looking after the environment perfectly well,” he said.

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Mposha, who was in Kalumbila to commission a waste recycling plant and tour First Quantum Minerals’ (FQM) Trident Mine, urged mining companies to partner with the government in protecting the environment.

He stated  the need for stricter environmental safeguards as Zambia aimed to increase its annual copper production to three million tonnes within the next six years.

“The government will continue collaborating with mining houses to ensure a pollution-free environment,” he said.

Mposha’s remarks followed reports of acid spillages from Sino Metals’ tailing dams, which had contaminated the Mwambashi and Kafue Rivers, threatening aquatic life and water sources.

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