By ROGERS KALERO
SENIOR Chief Nkana of the Lamba people in Lufwanyama district of the Copperbelt has said the target of attaining three million metric tonnes of copper production annually by the year 2031 must not be done at the expense of the safety and health of the community in which mining companies operate
Chief Nkana said while he is in support of the government initiative to ramp up copper production from the current production average of about 800,000 metric to 3 million metric tonnes by the year 2031, the mining companies should seriously consider the environment, safety and health of the community in the mining areas.
Speaking through his representative, Lenox Kaseka, when Sino-Metals Leach Zambia Limited paid a courtesy call him, Senior Chief Nkana demanded for for the protection of his subjects’ lives and their environment.
Sino-Metals is the mining company which polluted the environment after its tailing dam collapsed on February 18, 2025 and has since committed itself to restock the fish which died after rivers were polluted, clean up the environment and compensate the farmers whose crops were damaged.
Chief Nkana urged Sino-Metals to put in place safety and health measures to avoid the re-occurrence of the same or similar incident which may threaten human and animal life
“It is good that you have shown humility and committed yourself to compensate the affected people, clean up the environment and restock the fish which died when rivers were polluted. You should put in place safety and health measures to avoid incidents where human and animal life is threatened,” senior Chief Nkana said.
“Let me stress that the target of attaining three (3) million metric tonnes of copper production annually by the year 2031 must not be done at the expense of the safety and health of the community in which mining companies operate from,” he said.
And Sino-Metals Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Martin Amukusana said the mining company recognised the importance of building trust trough continued engagement and open communication with all parties affected by its operation.
Mr Amukusana said future updates will be provided as part of the on-going commitment to transparency, environmental responsibility, and community well-being
“Sino-Metals Leach Zambia Limited remains dedicated to ensuring that its business activities uphold the highest standards of safety, environmental sustainability and social responsibility ,” he said
