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Collum Coal Mining Industries Limited is facing a K45 million lawsuit filed by residents of the Nkandabwe area in Sinazongwe District, who allege that the company’s operations have caused environmental degradation, property damage, and serious health risks.
The action, commenced in the Lusaka High Court by Philis Siasiyana and eight others, accuses the mining firm of negligence, nuisance, trespass to land, and breach of statutory and constitutional obligations.
According to the statement of claim, Collum Coal has conducted continuous mining activities in Nkandabwe since 2002. The plaintiffs argue that these operations have directly and foreseeably caused harm to their health, homes, agricultural land, and livelihoods.
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They cite frequent blasting, excessive dust emissions, air pollution, and contamination of water sources as major grievances.
“The persistent blasting and vibrations occasioned by the defendant’s operations have caused extensive damage to dwelling houses,” the claim states, noting that several homes have developed deep cracks and become unsafe.
The residents further contend that water bodies within and around the area have been polluted, affecting domestic use, livestock, irrigation, and subsistence farming, thereby posing long-term environmental and public health risks.
They also allege that significant portions of their customary and agricultural land have been lost or rendered unusable due to mining activities. Grazing areas have diminished, agricultural productivity has fallen, and some villages have been disrupted, they added.
The plaintiffs further argue that heavy mining equipment belonging to the company has severely damaged the tarred road serving Nkandabwe, limiting access and constraining economic activity.
“The defendant’s acts amount to negligence, nuisance, trespass to land, and a violation of the plaintiffs’ constitutional right to a clean, safe, and healthy environment,” the claim reads.
The residents are seeking K45 million in compensation for negligence, general and special damages, medical expenses, and alternative accommodation.
They also want the court to declare the mining operations unlawful and to issue an environmental restoration order compelling Collum Coal to remediate affected areas at its own cost.
Additionally, they seek an injunction to restrain further mining operations until the company fully complies with environmental laws.
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