Sino Metals faces court action over environmental pollution

By Hector Simfukwe

Panthera Ventures Limited has asked the Lusaka High Court to order Sino Metals Leach Zambia Limited in Chambeshi on the Copperbelt to cease operations, which resulted in the discharge of pollutants in the environment.

The Court has further been asked to order Sino Metals Leach Zambia Limited to close operations at its tailings dams until comprehensive repair and upgrade is done to avoid further pollution of the environment.

Panthera Ventures Limited wants the company to also stop discharging effluent into the Mwambashi River and other water bodies until the effluent meets the standards set by the Zambia Environmental Management Agency -ZEMA.

The Court has also been invited to compel Sino Metals Leach Zambia Limited to compensate the farmers and property owners for the loss suffered as a result of the pollution caused by the mine.

Panthera Ventures Limited wants the company to also install air pollution control equipment and ensure that the emissions comply with the air quality standards among other demands.

This is according to the Write of Summon filed in the Lusaka High Court.