Sino Metals final pollution report ready, Zambia Environmental Management Agency sets date for public disclosure

The Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) says it has received the final Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) report into the pollution incident that occurred at Sino Metals Leach Zambia Limited on February 18, 2025.

The report was prepared by Applied Science and Technology Associates, the consultants engaged by ZEMA to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the environmental and social impacts of the incident.

ZEMA Manager for Corporate Affairs, Ruth Kanyanga Kamwi, said in a statement issued on Friday that the document marked the final deliverable under the assessment contract and was submitted on schedule, two and a half months after the consultants were engaged and mobilised on site.

Kamwi said the submission of the report represented a critical milestone in addressing pollution caused by the discharge of acidic leach residue into the surrounding environment.

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Following receipt of the report, ZEMA has announced plans to hold a public disclosure meeting between December 28 and 30, 2025.

During the meeting, the consultants are expected to present the findings of the assessment to stakeholders and members of the public.

“The Agency is committed to ensuring that the report informs the next steps towards mitigating the environmental and social impacts of the pollution,” Kamwi said.

She added that ZEMA would ensure strict enforcement of the “polluter pays principle,” under which the responsible party is held accountable for the damage caused.

ZEMA reiterated its commitment to environmental protection, transparency and public participation as it moves towards implementing measures aimed at restoring affected areas and preventing similar incidents in the future.

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