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Government has urged residents of Mwense District in Luapula Province to remain calm and avoid misinformation as experts undertake a comprehensive assessment of the Mukabamo Mine tailings dam incident that occurred in November last year.
A tailings dam at Mukabamo Copper Mine in Mwense failed on November 23, 2025, releasing alkaline waste into the environment due to poor engineering and unapproved designs, forcing the government to suspended all mine operations, order a full environmental cleanup, and enforced the “polluter pays” principle.
In a statement issued in Mansa on Thursday, Luapula Province Permanent Secretary, Prudence Kangwa, said the incident was not caused by Government but was an industrial accident whose circumstances were still being professionally assessed.
Kangwa said this during a courtesy call by a delegation from the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA)-approved consultants led by Dr. Mweene Himwiinga in Mansa.
The Permanent Secretary expressed concern over attempts by some individuals to politicise the matter during the election period, stating that Government had consistently acted to protect both affected communities and the environment.
She noted that authorities halted operations at the mine following the incident and had continued monitoring the situation while awaiting a conclusive assessment.
“Government remains committed to ensuring transparency and accountability, adding that the findings of the assessment will help bring closure to the matter and guide the way forward for affected communities,” Kangwa said.
Read More: Mukabamo Copper Mine operations suspended following tailings dam collapse
Meanwhile, Himwiinga said the team had been tasked with conducting a comprehensive environmental, social and economic impact assessment of the tailings spill in Mwense District.
“The study will draw on evidence collected by Government departments and other stakeholders to ensure an accurate and professional evaluation of the incident,” he said.
Himwiinga further assured residents that the assessment process would be conducted impartially and that all genuinely affected individuals would be considered in any recommendations relating to compensation or other forms of support.
The latest assessment follows a series of interventions by the Government after the tailings dam collapse, including the suspension of mining operations, environmental restoration measures and public safety actions aimed at protecting communities and restoring confidence in the affected area.
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