More trouble for Sino Leach Metal as Zambian authorities plan legal action over Kafue River pollution (Video)

The Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) has announced plans to take legal action against Sino Leach Metal Zambia following an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) on the pollution of the Kafue River and surrounding areas.

ZEMA has also issued an Environmental Restoration Order (ERO) to the mining firm after its tailing dams were breached, contaminating the Kafue River and other streams in Copperbelt Province.

Speaking during a media briefing at Mulungushi International Conference Centre on Friday, ZEMA Director for Legal Services, Karen Etondo, said legal proceedings would commence once all necessary assessments were completed.

“The assessment will guide clean-up, remediation, and restoration activities. Independent service providers, in collaboration with relevant government institutions, will also evaluate the pollution’s impact on socio-economic activities, which will determine compensation for affected communities,” Etondo stated.

She added that Sino Leach Metal Zambia would be required to compensate communities along the affected rivers and streams once the evaluation process was concluded.

Meanwhile, ZEMA Board Chairperson, Lovejoy Malambo, confirmed that acidic levels in the Kafue River and surrounding streams had been neutralized.

He said the agency was now focused on assessing both the cause and impact of the pollution.

Read More:Govt says Kafue River pollution contained, Sino Metals to be held accountable for long-term clean up measures

“This assessment will guide clean-up efforts, remediation, and restoration activities. We urge all mining firms and industrial facilities to comply with environmental laws to prevent similar incidents,” Malambo warned.

ZEMA Director General, Godfrey Mwiinga, emphasized that the agency had implemented immediate measures and issued directives to ensure compliance.

“Of priority is the environmental assessment to determine the full extent of the pollution, its impacts, and the necessary clean-up methods.

Sino Leach Metal Zambia has been directed to commence this assessment immediately and submit a progress report to ZEMA by March 30, 2025,” Mwiinga stated.

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