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Albatross Mining Limited has dismissed allegations that its quarry operations in Chilanga caused environmental pollution, describing the US$100 million compensation claim filed against it as unfounded and legally baseless.
The lawsuit was initiated by former Chilanga Member of Parliament, Keith Mukata, together with 216 residents of Lusaka West, who brought 11 quarry operators before the courts.
The plaintiffs alleged that blasting activities, dust emissions and ground vibrations had damaged homes, polluted groundwater and disrupted their farming activities.
Among the companies sued were One Palm Mine Limited, Yapstone Quarry Limited and Crystal Quarry Limited.
They also cited the Attorney General of Zambia, the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA), the Water Resources Management Authority (WARMA) and the Chilanga District Council, accusing them of failing to enforce environmental protections.
The affected residents—largely subsistence and small-scale farmers—argued that their livelihoods depended on groundwater sources located within a five-kilometre radius of quarry sites in Kalundu and Namalombwe.
They claimed quarrying activities had disrupted water systems and made farming increasingly difficult.
While Albatross Mining Limited admitted operating a quarry in Chilanga, it categorically denied violating environmental standards.
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In its defence, the company argued that it was not legally obligated to follow the specific international ecological guidelines cited by the plaintiffs, though it stated that it adhered to all applicable sector standards.
The company said it had implemented daily water-spraying to control dust, maintained blast exclusion zones and adopted measures to reduce noise, vibrations and flying debris.
“We have at all times operated within the confines of the law and in strict adherence to environmental standards,” the company stated, adding, “Our operations have not caused the impacts alleged, and the plaintiffs are therefore not entitled to the compensation being claimed.”
Albatross Mining Limited insisted it had exercised a high level of care and conducted its operations in what it described as an environmentally sustainable manner.
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