A pipe leak at Konkola Copper Mines-KCM has polluted the Mushishima Stream and Kafue River in Chingola.
The pollution occurred on September 28, 2026, after KCM reported a leak at its Tailings Leach Plant and an overflow from the Pollution Control Dam.
Government has since ordered KCM to immediately stop discharging effluent from the Tailings Leach Plant into the open environment.
The Ministry of Green Economy and Environment says inspections by the Zambia Environmental Management Agency, ZEMA, working with Mulonga Water Supply and Sanitation Company and KCM personnel, confirmed that pollutants had been discharged into the Mushishima Stream and Kafue River.
KCM had repaired the leaking pipe and contained the overflow by the time of the inspection.
Preliminary water tests showed elevated turbidity and conductivity at the confluence of the Mushishima Stream and Kafue River, although pH levels were within acceptable limits.
The Ministry says further tests, including those for heavy metals and acidity, are still being conducted.
Government has also ordered KCM to remove visible tailings material, assess the integrity of its pollution control dams and tailings pipelines, and undertake environmental impact assessment, clean-up and remediation of the affected areas.
The Ministry has further issued a Cost Order requiring KCM to meet the costs of laboratory analysis and related expenses.
Meanwhile, affected communities have been supplied with water through Mulonga Water Supply and Sanitation Company.
By Mike Mwendachabe
