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The Ministry of Green Economy and Environment says the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) has issued an amended Environmental Restoration Order directing Sino Metals Leach Zambia Limited to commence clean-up, remediation, and restoration works in line with the findings and recommendations of an independent assessment report.
The order also requires the company to submit quarterly clean-up and progress reports to ZEMA, with the first report due on March 31, 2026.
According to a statement issued in Lusaka on Monday by Ministry Permanent Secretary Dr. Douty Chibamba, the amended restoration order was issued on December 30, 2025.
Chibamba said the clean-up works were expected to be completed by June 30, 2026.
“We wish to confirm that on December, 19, 2025, the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) received a comprehensive Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) Report on the pollution incident involving Sino Metals Leach Zambia Limited,” he said.
He explained that the report, submitted by the consultant, Applied Science and Technology Associates Limited, was reviewed and approved by ZEMA in December 2025.
Chibamba added that a public disclosure meeting was held on January 6, 2026, at Mukuba Secondary School in Kitwe District on the Copperbelt, where the consultant presented the findings to the general public.
“The meeting was attended by various stakeholders, including local communities, Government Departments, Civil Society Organisations, academia, and media institutions,” Chibamba stated.
He assured the public that ZEMA will continue supervising and monitoring the remediation works to ensure full compliance with the Environmental Restoration Order and the independent assessment report.
Chibamba emphasised that the process was being carried out under the principles of strict enforcement and accountability, adding that the polluter-pays principle will be applied to ensure the full cost of remediation was borne by the responsible party.
“The Ministry remains committed to safeguarding public health, protecting the environment, and ensuring that all polluters are held accountable in accordance with the law,” he said.
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