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The Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development has suspended all operations at Mukabamo Copper Mine in Mwense District after the collapse of the mine’s tailings dam earlier this week.
Preliminary investigations conducted by the Ministry’s Mine Safety Department revealed that the mine had failed to comply with a compliance order issued in March, which required all mining companies to adhere to sound environmental management standards.
Investigators also found that the dam’s design plans were never formally approved and that the collapse resulted from substandard engineering during its construction.
In a statement issued on Friday, Principal Public Relations Officer at the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development Shamwinda Tembo said, “The safety of our environment and communities is paramount.”
“This incident underscores the consequences of non-compliance with established standards, and we urge all mining companies to implement the necessary operational changes to ensure that tailings dams are designed, constructed, and operated safely,” Tembo added.
The Ministry noted that tailings dam failures were often caused by a combination of poor design, inadequate construction and unsafe operational practices.
In light of the incident, Tembo reminded all mining firms to complete the implementation of measures aimed at improving dam design and ensuring full regulatory compliance.
Read more: Environmental group demands nationwide audit of tailings dams after Kafue River pollution
Authorities have not yet reported any casualties from the collapse and further investigations into the environmental impact of the incident are ongoing.
Meanwhile, the Luapula Provincial Administration said it had acted swiftly following the collapse of a tailings dam at the EZ Mining site in Mwense District, which disrupted water supply and livelihoods for local communities.
Luapula Province Principal Public Relations Officer, Emmanuel Maseko, said a multi-agency team from ZEMA, the Department of Water Resources and the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock were on the ground to contain contamination and assess the damage.
“From day one, the Mwense Town Council and DMMU, together with our partners, have been providing clean and safe water to affected communities. Residents are advised not to use water from the Mwense Stream or consume fish from the affected areas. All EZ Mining operations have been suspended indefinitely pending a full investigation,” he said.
Maseko emphasised that any negligence uncovered would be met with the full force of the law and assured the public that regular updates would be provided as restoration efforts continue.
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