What You Need To Know About The Dam Break
On 18 February 2025, a tailings dam owned by Sino Metals failed, releasing over 50 million litres of acidic effluent into the Mwambashi River, a tributary of the Kafue River. This spill led to extensive contamination of the water bodies and surrounding farmlands. This disaster has profound implications for the local communities and the environment, prompting immediate and sustained efforts to address the crisis.
Understanding Sino Metals
Sino Metals Leach Zambia Limited is a Zambian copper mine in Chambishi, Zambia. This Zambian-incorporated company mines and produces copper cathodes on the Copperbelt – Zambia’s biggest mining area. The company operates an open pit mine and concentrator plant. According to reports, heavy rains failed the tailings dam wall.
What is a tailings dam? A tailings dam at a copper mine like Sino Metals is a large, engineered structure designed to store mine tailing – the waste material left after the copper ore is processed to extract valuable minerals. Tailings consist of crushed rock, water, and leftover chemicals from the extraction process.
When dam TD 15F failed, it released approximately 75% of its leach into the environment. The Sino Metals tailings dam housed over 50 million litres of concentrated acid, dissolved solids, and heavy metals, including copper, cobalt, and manganese. Effluent, with a pH range of 1.8 to 2.5 escaped and contaminated surrounding agricultural fields and the Mwambashi and Kafue Rivers.
The Far-Reaching Environmental and Community Impacts
The Mwambashi Stream and Kafue River are critical water sources for local communities. Nkana Water Supply and Sanitation Company which supplies water to the Copperbelt has been forced to suspend water services in Kitwe and Kalulushi. The spill has adversely affected over 200 farmers, destroying crops and property. The disaster has also resulted in the closure of schools such as the Copperbelt University.
Immediate Actions and Mitigation Efforts Undertaken
In the immediate aftermath of the disaster, several measures were taken to mitigate the damage and support affected communities. These included:
Stopping the Discharge: Waste rock and laterite are being used to stop the flow of leach residue
Neutralization Efforts: Dosing of lime to neutralize the acid was conducted at three points along the Mwambashi River
Water Quality Monitoring: ZEMA has dispatched inspectors to assess the extent of pollution and monitor water quality
Suspension of Operations: The Zambian government ordered Sino Metals to cease operations at the affected tailings dams until necessary repairs are completed and safety measures are verified.
Environmental Restoration Order: ZEMA issued an order mandating Sino Metals to rehabilitate contaminated areas, including soil restoration and reforestation efforts.
Company Response and Commitment to Remediation
Sino Metals has expressed regret over the incident and has committed to compensating the affected farmers. The company is reportedly collaborating with local authorities to address immediate needs, including the provision of food and clean water, and to develop long-term solutions for environmental rehabilitation. Sino Metals has pledged to compensate over 200 affected farmers in Kitwe, Chambishi, and Mpongwe districts for crop losses and other damages.
Going Forward
The Sino Metals tailings dam collapse underscores the critical need for stringent environmental safeguards and regular monitoring within the mining industry to protect both communities and ecosystems from such catastrophic events.
This incident must serve as a catalyst for systemic change within Zambia’s mining sector, ensuring that mining operations prioritise safety, and environmental protection, and adhere to best practices. By embracing a culture of vigilance, accountability, and sustainable mining practices, Zambia can mitigate the risks associated with mining and safeguard the health and well-being of its communities and environment. The time for action is now, as the lives and livelihoods of Zambian communities, as well as the health of the environment, depend on it.
