Maravi

Mopani mines under probe

Mopani mines under probe
By Kabanda Chulu in Kitwe
Wednesday June 06, 2007 [04:00]

CITIZENS for Better Environment (CBE) has sent its inspectors to Mululu and Luanshimba streams in Kitwe to verify reports that Mopani Copper Mines is discharging effluent into the streams that joins the Kafue River. And CBE executive director Peter Sinkamba yesterday said that both air and water pollution by the mining companies was still a major problem which the residents of Chambishi, Chingola, Kitwe and Mufulira were facing.

Speaking ahead of the World Environmental Day yesterday, Sinkamba said there were reports that Mopani mines through its tailings dams located south-east of Wusakile and Chamboli townships, was discharging effluent into the two streams which joins the Kafue River.

“We have sent our officers to verify those reports and if they confirmed to be true then we will ensure that Mopani is taken to task because this is a fresh case of pollution which needs to be addressed,” Sinkamba said.

This is not the first time that Mopani mines was discharging effluent into the Kafue River as in February this year, the mining firm polluted the river with sulphuric acid.

The Mululu and Luanshimba streams join the Kafue River near the Zambia National Service camp which is off the Kitwe/ Ndola road.
And Sinkamba said residents of Chambishi, Chingola, Kitwe and Mufulira were still exposed to the effects of polluted air and water being discharged by the mines.

“These problems are still existing and we are only waiting to see improvements when the stability period given to the mines comes to an end next year because by then they will start working towards addressing these issues,” said Sinkamba.

Labels: CBE, MCM, MOPANI, POLLUTION

posted by MrK @ 4:24 AM