Zambia Launches Environmental Assessment into Sino Metals Pollution on the Copperbelt
Zambian Government Orders Full Environmental Probe into Sino Metals Leach Pollution
The Government of Zambia has launched a comprehensive environmental assessment to determine the extent of pollution allegedly caused by Sino Metals Leach Zambia Limited, Minister of Green Economy and Environment Hon. Mike Mposha, MP, announced this week.
The study will be conducted by Applied Science and Technology Associates, which has been contracted to lead the investigation and provide evidence-based recommendations to the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA).
According to the Ministry, the assessment will focus on three key areas:
Biophysical evaluation of the affected environment.
Socio-economic impact analysis on surrounding communities.
Identification of mitigation, remediation, and restoration measures.
Polluter to Bear Full Costs
In line with Zambia’s polluter-pays principle, Sino Metals Leach Zambia Limited will cover the entire cost of both the environmental assessment and all subsequent remediation and restoration efforts.
ZEMA has already issued directives requiring the company to take immediate actions to prevent further environmental degradation. These include:
Construction of catch drains and silt traps;
Stabilisation of Tailings Dam 15;
Liming of affected agricultural fields; and
Desludging of the Chambishi Stream.
Government Monitoring and Assurance
Minister Mposha confirmed that the Government, through a multi-agency monitoring team, continues to independently assess water quality across the Copperbelt Province. Preliminary findings indicate that heavy metal concentrations remain within safe limits.
“The Government remains committed to transparency, environmental accountability, and the protection of public health,” said Minister Mposha. “We urge all stakeholders to base their engagement on verifiable data and substantiated reports.”
This environmental probe underscores Zambia’s growing emphasis on corporate accountability, sustainable resource management, and the protection of communities affected by industrial activity — a key priority under the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment.
