Reported by: The Agency Media.
Date: 20th March, 2025.
Kalumbila, Zambia.
The Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Hon. Mike Mposha, has called on mining companies to adopt more rigorous environmental protection measures to prevent incidents similar to the recent acid effluent spill by Sino Metals Leach Limited into the Kafue River.
On the second day of his working tour of Kalumbila, Mr. Mposha visited First Quantum Minerals(FQM) Trident Mine, where he commended the company for its proactive approach to environmental stewardship. He emphasized that the recent Sino Metals spill should serve as a wake-up call for the entire mining industry to prioritize the health and safety of surrounding communities and ecosystems.
“The measures implemented here at Trident Mine to monitor the integrity of tailings dams are impressive,” Mr. Mposha said. “This is the level of diligence we need across all mining operations, especially on the Copperbelt, to avoid future environmental disasters.”
Mr. Mposha highlighted that while Zambia is targeting a copper production output of three million tonnes annually within the next six years, this growth must not come at the expense of environmental and public health.
He also praised FQM’s reforestation initiatives, noting the company’s commitment to replacing every tree cut with two new ones. “Mining companies must integrate environmental sustainability into their business models. The health of our people and the environment must never be compromised,” he said.
FQM Country Manager Dr. Godwin Beene assured the Minister that the company remains committed to sustainable mining practices. “We have invested in advanced monitoring technologies that allow us to detect potential issues at our tailings facilities before they escalate,” Dr. Beene said. He further emphasized that FQM believes in continuous self-regulation and improvement, aligning with global environmental standards.
Meanwhile, Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) Director General, Godfrey Mwiinga, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to strict enforcement of environmental laws. “ZEMA will continue to work closely with the mining sector, leveraging monitoring systems and industry cooperation to detect and prevent environmental breaches,” Mr. Mwiinga said.
Following the Kalumbila site visit, Minister Mposha departed for Lusaka, reiterating the New Dawn Government’s call for responsible mining practices that balance economic growth with environmental sustainability.
The Agency.
