Sino Metals Commits $200m to New Mine as Cleanup Continues
SINO Metals has continued to carry out extensive restoration and compliance works following a major tailings dam failure on 18 February 2025, which caused significant environmental damage in Chambishi.
The incident involved the collapse of a section of the wall separating compartments F and E of Tailings Dam 15 (TD15), resulting in an estimated 30,000 cubic metres of copper-rich residue spilling into nearby water bodies and the surrounding environment.
Assistant Director Martin Amukusana said the company is working closely with the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) and other regulators to ensure full restoration and monitoring of affected areas.
“We are continuing with the restoration of the water bodies using the guidelines provided by ZEMA,” Mr Amukusana said.
He revealed that Sino Metals will invest approximately US$200 million in the development of its new Samba Copper Mine in Kalulushi, a project expected to create over 700 direct jobs and extend the mine’s operational life by a further decade.
“The new project is part of the company’s strategy to increase copper processing capacity and strengthen its value chain,” he said.
Mr Amukusana explained that sampling is being conducted weekly from Chambishi stream in Chambishi township up to Hook Bridge along the Kafue River in Mumbwa district. Water sampling is also underway at 20 boreholes in and around the mine, including within surrounding communities, to monitor potential groundwater contamination.
“So far, a number of samples have been taken and are being analysed for multiple parameters. This is happening every week, and the results are shared with WARMA and ZEMA every month,” he said.
He added that the company has begun a biodiversity impact assessment to determine ecological damage and outline long-term restoration measures. Sino Metals is also contributing resources towards the Government-led environmental impact assessment.
“This support is very important because it will guide and inform the full clean-up and restoration process,” he said.
Despite halting production since February, Mr Amukusana confirmed that more than 500 workers remain on the payroll and no layoffs have been made.
Regarding ZEMA’s recommendation to build a catchment drain and silt traps to prevent secondary pollution, he noted that construction had already commenced before the official directive was issued.
Bishop Emmanuel Chikoya, who led a delegation of Church Mother Bodies on a tour of the mine, urged Sino Metals and other mining firms to prioritise environmental stewardship and comply strictly with regulatory standards.
“The visit has been an eye opener. We are concerned about human dignity, and it is encouraging to see the company taking steps to mitigate the impact of pollution,” Bishop Chikoya said.
He stressed that mining companies must adopt best practices to protect communities and ecosystems, and called for regulators to enforce stricter monitoring and compliance measures across the sector.
