Zambia’s Mining Pollution Poses Growing Environmental and Economic Risks
Concerns over mining pollution in Zambia are growing as experts highlight severe health risks and economic instability linked to environmental hazards.
Economic analyst Kelvin Chisanga has raised alarm over the discharge of harmful chemicals into the country’s water bodies by mining companies, calling for urgent regulatory action.
“The mining sector once promised economic growth, job creation, and increased revenue. However, with stakeholders failing to uphold environmental standards, we are witnessing a dangerous trend of pollution,” Chisanga stated.
He emphasized that Zambia’s mining industry has long operated under weak regulatory oversight, contributing to poor environmental governance. “The absence of a strong regulatory body to enforce compliance has left our environment vulnerable,” he said.
The crisis is worsening, especially in the wake of the 2024 drought, which has already strained Zambia’s freshwater resources. Chisanga warned that polluting vital water sources with mining waste is reckless and demands immediate accountability from industry leaders and policymakers.
“Water is essential for industries, households, and wildlife. Ensuring water resilience is not just an environmental issue but a foundation for economic stability and business continuity,” he noted.
He urged the Ministry of Mines to enforce internationally recognized mining standards, free from individual self-interest, and called for responsible leadership to protect Zambia’s natural resources while aligning mining practices with sustainable development goals.
31 total views , 1 views today
