Govt Shuts Down Sino Metals Plant

By Ruth Chayinda

The Government has shut down the Sino Metals Plant after the tailings containment facility failed, resulting in the release of acidic effluent into the Mwambashi River.

Water Development and Sanitation Minister Collins Nzovu says the government will sanction Sino Metals in accordance with existing legal provisions and will also clean up the polluted rivers.

Mr. Nzovu also disclosed that officials have so far applied 600 tonnes of lime to neutralize the acidity in the water.

In a ministerial statement to the National Assembly today, Mr. Nzovu said the pH levels have started steadily rising and expressed optimism that in the next two days, Nkana Water will resume pumping water.