Sino Metals Leach Zambia has commenced a comprehensive clean-up, remediation, and restoration programme following the February 18, 2025 incident, reaffirming its commitment to environmental protection.
Local firm, Targus Limited, and China Nonferrous Metals Guilin Mineral Resources & Geology Research Institute Co. Ltd have been engaged to undertake the clean-up exercise, prioritizing Chambishi Stream, Mwambashi River, and Kafue River—key water sources supporting households, agriculture, industry, and wildlife.
Minister of Water Development and Sanitation Collins Nzovu, who officiated at the launch of the clean-up exercise, called for enhanced transparency, rigorous scientific monitoring, and inclusive stakeholder participation, emphasizing that the initiative is aimed at safeguarding the welfare of Zambians.
Eng. Nzovu said the process must succeed and be guided by evidence-based research, directing Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) and Water Resources Management Authority (WARMA), to strengthen monitoring efforts and ensure strict compliance with environmental standards.
“It is not about Sino Metals, it is about the people of Zambia, therefore, this exercise should succeed. To everyone else, If you notice gaps, raise it. Monitoring is for everyone including NGOs. ZEMA & WARMA should ensure strict monitoring of the exercise,” Eng. Nzovu said.
He commended the engagement of Targus as a local contractor, urging the firm to demonstrate competence and reinforce confidence in the capacity of Zambian companies to deliver on complex environmental remediation tasks.
And Sino Metals Chairman Wang Jingjun, assured that the clean-up programme will be guided by scientific evidence and strict regulatory oversight. “Since the incident of 18th February last year, we have demonstrated our commitment and dedication to ensuring that we remedy the situation by adhering strictly to all directives and guidelines from the Government of the Republic of Zambia through various regulatory institutions,” Mr. Jingjun stated.
Mr. Jingjun noted that preliminary works have already been undertaken in line with restoration orders issued by regulators, which include construction of catch drains and silt traps, stabilization and partial decommissioning of Tailings Dam 15, liming of affected areas, and desludging of Chambishi Stream.
“The cleanup we are launching today will be guided by recommendations from the assessment report which was produced by an independent assessor contracted by the Government. The recommendations of that assessment report now form the scientific and regulatory foundation for the remediation programme that we are launching today,” he said.
He also highlighted compliance with local content requirements, noting that selection of a local clean up company is testimony of Sino Mteals’ support and adherence to the local content law which seeks to empower local enterprises.
Meanwhile, Targus Executive Director, Montgomery Mulengeshi, explained that the clean-up will be implemented in phases, beginning with soil neutralization and removal of contaminated sediments, before progressing to ecological restoration and eventual fish restocking.
Mr. Mulengeshi, assured stakeholders that Targus will execute the project with the highest degree of professionalism, transparency, and in full compliance with the Environmental Management Act, while committing to work closely with Government institutions and affected communities throughout the restoration process
