SINO METALS BLAMED FOR NEGLIGENCE ON DAM COLLAPSE AND CONTAMINATION OF RIVERS

Sino Metals Leach Zambia Limited has been blamed for negligence after the collapse of its dams led to acid contamination of the Mwambashi and Kafue rivers, affecting communities and farmers in Chambishi.

Minister of Mines and Minerals Development Paul Kabuswe, who inspected the site, said the mining company failed to conduct routine dam inspections, which resulted in the disaster.

He dismissed claims that intruders were responsible for the collapse, emphasizing that a lack of periodic assessments was the real cause.

Meanwhile, Copperbelt Minister Elisha Matambo revealed that about 200 farmers in Chambishi have been affected by the acid spill.

He also noted that water supply in Kitwe, Chambishi, Luanshya, and Mpongwe has been disrupted, forcing authorities to provide alternative water sources through boreholes.

In response, Sino Metals Chairman Zhang Peiwen assured that the company is committed to addressing the issue and compensating those affected.

The dam collapse has raised concerns about safety standards in the mining sector, with stakeholders calling for stricter monitoring to prevent similar incidents in the future.
By Lovemore Sondashi