The Engineering Institute of Zambia (EIZ) has criticized Sino Metal Leach Zambia Limited for failing to adhere to safety regulations following the release of over 50 million liters of concentrated acid into the Mwambashi and Kafue Rivers, which has compromised the quality of water in Kitwe district.
Last week, the failure of a tailings dam at Sino Metal Leach Zambia resulted in the discharge of concentrated acid, dissolved solids, and heavy metals, including copper, cobalt, and manganese, into the two rivers, which serves as primary water sources for Nkana Water and Sanitation Limited.
EIZ President Wesley Kaluba revealed that the institute dispatched a team to assess the incident and identified potential flaws in the design, approval, and operational processes of the tailings dams.
Mr. Kaluba said that the team’s findings included cracks, uncompacted walls, and inconsistent wall thicknesses, raising serious concerns about the structural integrity of the facility.
“There is insufficient evidence to confirm that the dams were operated by qualified and licensed engineering professionals, while records of inspections, maintenance, and monitoring of dam integrity appear to be either incomplete or non-existent,” Mr. Kaluba stated in a statement issued to RCV News in Lusaka today.
He further criticized the company’s poor storage practices, describing them as highly negligent.
“The storage of such a high volume of concentrated acid in an insecure dam points to serious operational flaws and a lack of proper safety procedures,” said Mr. Kaluba.
Mr. Kaluba emphasized the urgent need to strengthen oversight institutions and ensure that all tailings and water dams across the mining sector are thoroughly inspected, recertified, and operated in compliance with international engineering standards.
Angel Kasabo
