Minister of Green Economy and Environment says the consultant engaged to assess the impact of the pollution incident at Sino Metals Leach Zambia Limited has made significant progress since mobilizing on site on 22nd September 2025.
Applied Science and Technology Associates was awarded the contract at a sum of K29 million to undertake the comprehensive assessment and make recommendation to Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA).
The full cost of the assessment, including any subsequent remediation activities, is being borne by Sino Metals Leach Zambia Limited in line with the Polluter Pays Principle, provided for under the Environmental Management Act No. 12 of 2011.
The assessment covers three major components: a biophysical assessment focusing on land, water resources, air, flora, fauna, and ecosystems before, during, and after the pollution; a socioeconomic assessment examining the impact on communities, livelihoods, health, infrastructure, and culture; and the identification of mitigation, remediation, and restoration actions.
Mike Mposha stated that several critical activities have already been undertaken, including the sampling and analysis of tailings material to determine its physical and chemical properties, as well as surface water and sediment sampling from affected water bodies.
Mr. Mposha told Parliament in a Ministerial Statement that the consultant submitted a preliminary assessment report on 12th October 2025, which emphasized the need for urgent interventions to expedite cleanup and restoration works, and to prevent secondary pollution ahead of the rainy season.
“Consequently, on the 17th October 2025, my Ministry through ZEMA directed Sino Metals Leach Zambia Limited to undertake immediate actions and provide a progress report by 14th November 2025,” Mr. Mposha said.
Some of the directives include the construction of a catch drain downstream of TD15 to collect runoff rainwater from TD15 and other contaminated sites, stabilization of TD15 before the onset of the rainy season, establishment of real-time monitoring systems, and tree planting at strategic points to prevent soil erosion, among others.
The Minister disclosed that stabilization works on TD15 are progressing steadily, with over 80 percent of the work completed.
He noted that the works are aimed at reinforcing the structural integrity of the dam and preventing further leakage or collapse risks, with full completion targeted for 30th October 2025.
And Mr. Mposha urged communities around the Kalusale Stream to refrain from premature cultivation in contaminated zones, stressing that the affected areas remain environmentally unstable.
“My Ministry has received information indicating that some community members around the Kalusale stream have expressed interest to start land preparation works in the fields in readiness for cultivation.”
“Let me express, in the strongest terms, the government’s dismay and concern over this development. The affected areas remain environmentally unstable, with residual contaminants that may pose serious health risks to both humans and livestock,” he stated.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transparency, environmental accountability, and the protection of public health.
