The Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) says pH levels in the Kafue River have stabilized following an emergency lime dosing operation aimed at neutralizing acidity.
The pollution crisis was triggered by the collapse of Sino Metals’ Tailings Storage Facility (TSF) on February 18, 2025, which released highly acidic leach residue into the Chambishi, Mwambashi, and Kafue rivers.
Speaking at a media briefing in Lusaka today, ZEMA Board Chairperson, Lovejoy Malambo, admitted that the spill has caused significant environmental damage, impacting farmlands, aquatic life, and the surrounding ecosystem.
“This disaster has exposed weaknesses in Zambia’s environmental regulatory system,” said Professor Malambo.
Meanwhile, ZEMA Director General Godfrey Mwiinga has issued an Environmental Restoration Order to Sino Metals, directing the company to commence an environmental assessment by March 24, 2025, and submit a progress report by March 30, 2025.
Mr. Mwiinga also emphasized the need to promote a culture of self-regulation and adopt best-available technologies for the robust management of tailings storage facilities to prevent future environmental crises.
By Christabel Kamunu
