Green Economy and Environment Minister Collins Nzovu has warned non-performing Zambia Environmental Management Agency -ZEMA- inspectors on the Copperbelt that his Ministry will not hesitate to take action for failure to enforce laws guiding operations of mining and other processing plants.
Speaking after a tour of Sino-Metals Leach Zambia Limited and several other mining and metal processing plants on the Copperbelt where it was discovered that all the facilities were involved in several illegalities, Mr Nzovu says what was obtained on the ground is a serious threat to human and environmental health.
Mr. Nzovu says it is unfortunate that mining companies on the Copperbelt have continued to abrogate the law despite the presence and timely inspections of the facilities by zema officers.
He indicates that ZEMA officers are mandated by law to exercise their powers to ensure mines and other processing plants follow the laid down conditions which guide their operations.
Meanwhile, ZEMA Northern Region Principal Inspector, Sampa Chella who confirmed being aware of all the illegalities by the mines assured the minister that she will ensure the companies fully implement the ZEMA conditions aimed at ensuring environmental sustainability and public health.