By DELPHINE ZULU –
THE Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) has ordered China Copper Mines Limited (CCML) in Chingola to cease operations at its leaching and solvent extraction plant and associated infrastructure for polluting drinking water in surrounding areas.
CCML has further been ordered to immediately provide an alternative source of clean and safe drinking water to communities of Kifisali and Kankomo and their livestock until such a time when the contamination in the Fitula and Mimbula streams is reduced to acceptable levels and to the satisfaction of ZEMA.
ZEMA also ordered CCML to take measures to reduce, remedy or mitigate any adverse effects related to pollution of the Fitula and Muntimpa Streams and surrounding environs resulting from its leaching and solvent extraction operations.
ZEMA principal information and communication officer Irene Lungu-Chipili said in an interview that the action had been taken pursuant to the Environmental Management Act of 2011.
“ZEMA on Tuesday this week, issued an Environmental Restoration Order to China Copper Mines Limited (CCML) and made specific orders including the immediate cease of operations at the leaching and solvent extraction plants and associated infrastructure,” she said.
CCML had also been ordered to construct another pond south of the current leach ponds to act as a Pollution Control Dam (PCD) where ponds would be lined with High Density Polyethylene (HDP) material to contain future possible pollution occurrences.
The CCML should further restore affected land including the two streams (Fitula and Mimbula), remove or alleviate any injury to land, animals, and the environment or to the amenities of Kafisali and Kankomo Communities.
“ZEMA takes this opportunity to remind all licensed facilities to adhere to the conditions stipulated by environmental law and other relevant laws and uphold environmental friendly practices,” Ms Chipili said.
She said it was the requirement of the law for all development projects to go through the Environmental Impact Assessment to adhere fully to the conditions of approval once a project was approved.
Ms Chipili said it was an offence to conduct business activities contrary to the provisions of the EMA.