Luapula probes Mwense Mine spill

The Provincial Administration in Luapula has assured Mwense residents and other stakeholders that a comprehensive position is being developed following the breach of a tailings dam at the EZED Chinese Copper Mining firm, which recently discharged effluent into a stream in Mwense District.

The incident, believed to have occurred after the first heavy rains of the season, prompted an immediate on-site assessment by government officials led by Luapula Province Permanent Secretary Prudence Chinama.

Speaking at the site, Ms. Chinama said experts from the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) and the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Development have commenced a full-scale investigation to determine the cause and extent of the environmental impact.

“Our priority is the safety of our people and the environment. We have moved with speed to assemble a multi-agency team to address this situation,” she said.

She cautioned against issuing premature statements or assigning blame before technical teams complete their scientific assessment.

“We are here, we are concerned, and we are acting based on facts, not speculation,” she added.

Ms. Chinama noted that while technical assessments and containment efforts continue, the Mwense District Administration has initiated urgent interventions to support affected communities whose stream water source has been compromised.

She stressed that the final report will guide the next steps, including potential remedial or punitive action.

“Let the process work. We are committed to transparency and holding the responsible party accountable, but based on factual evidence,” she said.

During a briefing earlier, Mwense District Commissioner HappyStone Mwape outlined immediate measures taken in collaboration with the District Joint Operations Committee (DJOC), the local authority and the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU).

Mr Mwape said communities have been sensitised about the dangers of consuming fish or using potentially contaminated water for drinking or agriculture.

 He added that water bowsers have begun distributing clean water.

“We will not let our people suffer. The district administration immediately activated an emergency water distribution programme to deliver safe drinking water to affected communities,” he said.

He added that although the mobile distribution is temporary, it remains crucial, and his office will continue working with the Provincial Administration to develop long-term solutions to challenges arising from the effluent spill.

And Luapula Province DMMU Coordinator Abel Mwape also confirmed that chlorine supplies have been allocated for distribution to affected communities through the Mwense District Administration.