07/08/2025
GOVERNMENT DECLARES POLLUTION UNDER CONTROL AFTER SINO METALS TAILINGS SPILL
By Pentagon media
The Zambian government has confirmed that the environmental pollution incident involving Sino Metals Leach Zambia Limited earlier this year has been brought under control, following months of coordinated response efforts and regulatory action.
Speaking during a joint multisectoral press briefing in Lusaka, Minister of Information and Media and Chief Government Spokesperson, Hon. Cornelius Mweetwa, reassured the public that comprehensive mitigation measures had successfully stabilized water quality in the affected rivers and surrounding areas.
“Laboratory results confirm that pH levels have normalized and concentrations of heavy metals are steadily declining,” said Hon. Mweetwa. “There is no immediate danger to human, animal, or plant life.”
On February 18, 2025, a tailings dam at Sino Metals’ Chambishi plant failed, releasing approximately 50,000 cubic metres of acidic slurry laced with heavy metals. The waste entered the Chambishi Stream, then flowed downstream into the Mwambashi and Kafue Rivers, which are critical sources of water for multiple communities and ecosystems.
The spill caused alarm among local residents and environmental groups, who raised concerns over potential long-term damage to drinking water, aquatic life, farmland, and public health.
Upon being notified of the incident by Sino Metals, the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) moved quickly to suspend operations at the plant and issued an Environmental Restoration Order. The agency also began a comprehensive water sampling campaign, collecting more than 200 samples across the affected areas.
Neutralization efforts began immediately, with lime dosing applied to reduce the acidity of the polluted water. Independent laboratories in Kitwe were engaged to confirm results and provide an additional layer of transparency.
Hon. Mweetwa emphasized that Sino Metals had failed to carry out a required Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in accordance with the Environmental Management Act, prompting the government to step in and conduct the assessment at the company’s cost.
“We will not allow companies to place profit above people and the environment,” Hon. Mweetwa said. “Where they fall short, the government will act decisively.”
The Ministry of Health deployed rapid response teams to affected districts including Kitwe, Ngabwe, and Mumbwa. Fortunately, only three suspected cases of waterborne illness were recorded, and all individuals made full recoveries. To date, there have been no reported deaths or confirmed cases of heavy metal poisoning.
In a separate intervention, Nkana Water Supply and Sanitation Company detected abnormal pH levels in its water supply and immediately shut down two major treatment plants as a precaution. The government ensured alternative water supply to affected communities until the plants were reopened following rigorous safety checks.
“This level of coordination across ministries and agencies has been critical,” said Hon. Mweetwa. “Lives and livelihoods were potentially at risk, and we acted accordingly.”
As part of its enforcement actions, the government fined Sino Metals over K1.5 million, which the company has since paid in full. Additionally, compensation is being arranged for farmers and communities whose crops and soils were damaged due to the contamination.
A government-led team is also overseeing the decommissioning and rehabilitation of the failed tailings dam. The process is being funded by the company, under the “polluter pays” principle outlined in Zambia’s environmental laws.
“We’re ensuring this never happens again,” Hon. Mweetwa added. “Sino Metals is cooperating, but this is not just about one company. It’s about setting a national standard.”
In response to the incident, the government has issued a new directive requiring all mining and mineral processing companies to immediately cease the disposal of acidic tailings without proper neutralization. This directive applies to all new tailings dams effective immediately and will extend to existing dams by December 2025.
Environmental experts have welcomed the move, citing the growing risk posed by aging infrastructure and outdated waste management practices in Zambia’s mining sector.
“This incident has highlighted the urgent need to modernize and enforce environmental compliance across the industry,” said Dr. Brenda Mwale, an independent environmental consultant. “The government’s response sets a precedent.”
Hon. Mweetwa concluded the briefing by thanking affected residents for their cooperation and patience, noting that the situation could have been far worse without swift action. He urged the public to report any unusual environmental activity, especially near industrial areas.
Hon. Mweetwa ended by saying the government remains committed to ensuring environmental safety, corporate accountability, and the protection of public health, and that Zambia will continue to put its people and environment first, no matter the cost.
(c) Pentagon News
