By Teverai Dzeka
The Canadian government has committed to working with Zambia to promote sustainable management of tailings in the extractive industry.
Canadian High Commission to Zambia Charge d’Affaires CORRY VAN GAAL says the Mine Association of Canada is in Zambia to provide training on proper management of tailings facilities, aimed at reducing environmental damage.
Ms. VAN GAAL was speaking during a workshop on tailings management held in Kitwe, where she noted that as Zambia’s mining sector continues to expand, the country must put in place robust systems for managing tailings storage facilities.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development Permanent Secretary HAPENGA KABETA urged key stakeholders in the extractive industry to support government efforts in adopting safety standards that apply across the sector.
In a speech delivered on his behalf by Mineral Regulatory Commission representative YORAM CHULU, Dr. KABETA said the government remains committed to advancing responsible and sustainable mining practices.
Earlier, Zambia Chamber of Mines Chief Executive Officer SOKWANI CHILEMBO commended the Canada–Zambia partnership in the mining sector, which aims to equip mining companies with skills in the management of tailings facilities.
The focus on tailings management comes amid heightened concern following a major environmental incident on the Copperbelt.
On February 18, 2025, a tailings storage dam at Sino-Metals Leach Zambia Limited in the Chambishi area collapsed, releasing tens of millions of litres of acidic and toxic mine waste into the Mwambashi and Kafue rivers, contaminating water supplies, devastating aquatic life and affecting communities along the waterways.
The pollution has had significant effects on livelihoods and underscored the risks of inadequate tailings oversight, prompting calls for improved monitoring and remediation measures
