By MARTIN MUSUNKA –
FIRST Quantum Minerals (FQM) Sentinel Mine in Kalumbila district of North- Western Province, has empowered community leaders with education and water testing equipment to undertake their own independent water quality monitoring of downstream water.
This follows increased run-off and groundwater recharge from the current rainy season which has made water appearance become milky, thereby sparking concerns and misconceptions about the discoloration of river water among the local residents.
In a statement released by FQM Sentinel Mine public relations coordinator, Miriam Harmon, the mining company has embarked on a vigorous water treatment and monitoring exercise to ensure downstream water quality remains safe and healthy for consumption.
She said the Sentinel Mine has increased environmental monitoring activities and mobilised additional water treatment facilities to be able to effectively treat the additional volumes of water before release.
“One of the main on-going water treatment activities is the addition of lime as a buffer to ensure that pH of water remains within healthy parameters. Due to the high rain fall intensity in early March, a second lime dosing point has been introduced, which has resulted in the milky appearance of the water, albeit healthy and safe,” Ms Harmon says in a statement made available to Suma Systems Media.
She allayed concerns of water contamination as a result of discoloration of river water and assured that Sentinel Mine’s team of community relations staff is currently undertaking additional awareness at household level to sensitise the communities that the water is healthy and safe.
“Milky appearance of water can lead to perceived water quality concerns but contrary to common misconceptions, water remains perfectly healthy and safe for community use. As the water levels reduce over the next seven days, water treatment will return to normal levels, and the milky water will become clear,” Ms Harmon explains.
Late last week Sentinel Mine began a community education campaign with traditional leaders to dispel misconceptions about the discoloration of river water. Although milky, the water is completely safe to use.
“Through sound environmental management practice, FQM’s Sentinel Mine has ensured that downstream water remains good for drinking, bathing, swimming, fishing, watering livestock, traditional soaking of cassava and other community uses. Sound environmental management practice, health and safety of communities remain utmost priority for the mine,” she added. – Story courtesy of SUMA SYSTEMS.