20/10/2025
VISITATION TO SINO METAL LEACH ZAMBIA 09/10/2025
A Team of interdisciplinary students Residing in Kalulushi and Kitwe those from Copperbelt University, Mukuba University, and the University of Zambia, embarked on a significant field tour invited by SMLZ. Comprising future experts in Environmental Engineering, Environmental and Climate Management, Civil Engineering,Chemical Engineering and Economics , were united by a critical mission to find out the aftermath of the tailings dam failure that occurred on February 18, 2025, in the Chambishi area.
The incident prompted Students to seek answers to pressing questions: What were the root causes of the structural collapse? Was there a element of negligence in the dam's maintenance and monitoring leading to such severe environmental and aquatic damage? Furthermore, they were keen to understand the extent of the pollution and the efficacy of the ongoing cleanup operations.
The Program was as Follows.....
- Welcome Remarks by Sino - Metals Representative
- SMLZ Presentation to the students
- Question & Answer Session
- Student Feedback
- Guided visit to the Tailing Dams and Clean Up Area Areas.
They were thoroughly impressed by the comprehensive and responsible measures Sino-Metal Leach Zambia Limited has undertaken since the incident.
✅ Continuous Sampling of Water Quality in Kafue River and Ground Water Monitoring.
✅Halting operations and continuing to pay workers while focusing entirely on cleanup.
✅Actively rehabilitating the polluted land and ecosystem.
✅ Constructing a new, safer tailings dam with an emergency pool.
✅ Fully compensating affected local farmers.
✅Adhering strictly to all directives from the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA), the Water Resources Management Authority (WARMA), and the Mine Safety Department (MSD).
It is evident that the company is committed to rectifying the situation in full compliance with the directives from Zambian regulatory bodies.
This field tour was not just a Question and Answer exercise; it was a powerful insight into the real-world challenges of environmental management and the positive outcomes possible when industry, regulation, and academic scrutiny align for a sustainable future.
