Update on Sino Metals Leach Incident in Kafue

The Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, in collaboration with other government ministries and agencies, has continued to respond decisively to the pollution incident involving Sino Metals Leach in Kafue.

During a press briefing held this morning, Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Hon. Mike Mposha, MP, reassured the nation that the government remains committed to transparency and public safety.

“Government will continue to update the nation on this matter as much as possible,” he stated.

The Minister confirmed that a comprehensive environmental assessment was conducted to consolidate initial findings from February 2025. A total of 251 samples were collected and analysed by an independent and certified laboratory, focusing on ambient water quality.

The results showed that:

• Cadmium and copper levels across all sites were within permissible limits.

• Cobalt exceeded permissible levels at 2 out of 23 sites.

• Manganese and zinc levels were elevated at 4 out of 23 sites each.

• pH levels had normalised at 22 out of 23 sites.

“These readings strongly indicate that our water levels are beginning to recover from the pollution incident,” Hon. Mposha said.

He added: “We want to assure people on the Copperbelt that water testing and treatment efforts are being scaled up to ensure safety.”