WWF Zambia Urges Nationwide Tailings Dam Audit After Kafue River Pollution

The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Zambia has called for a comprehensive audit of all tailings dams associated with mining activities across the country to prevent future environmental disasters.

The call follows the February 18, 2025, tailings dam breach at Sino Leach Metal Zambia, which resulted in pollution of the Mwambashi River and Lusale Stream, ultimately contaminating the Kafue River downstream.

WWF Zambia Country Director Nalucha Ziba, in a statement issued in Lusaka on Wednesday, urged that the audit be conducted in collaboration with the Engineering Institution of Zambia (EIZ).

Ziba also called for environmental audits of all mining companies that have received restoration orders, emphasizing that those found in violation should be required to implement corrective measures before resuming operations and face penalties.

“The spillages have caused significant environmental damage, affecting vital ecosystems and the livelihoods of local communities and businesses dependent on these water bodies,” Ziba stated.

She described the incident as a preventable failure, warning that the severe contamination of critical water sources poses both immediate and long-term risks to public health and the environment.

Ziba called for:

• Stricter regulations on industrial effluent management
• Increased water quality monitoring
• Improved waste management practices

She stressed the need for full accountability from the responsible mining company under the Polluter Pays Principle and urged authorities to ensure that water quality meets WHO drinking water standards.

“The government must guarantee clean water supply—especially for peri-urban communities—until their wells and water sources are confirmed safe,” she added.

Ziba further emphasized that economic growth must align with stringent environmental safeguards, calling on both the government and mining companies to adopt sustainable practices and invest in technologies that reduce environmental risks.

SOURCE:zambianmonitor.com