Kankoyo Member of Parliament, Heartson Mabeta has maintained that the concerns raised in parliament regarding the residents of Mufulira suffering from sulphur dioxide pollution caused by the mining operations – particularly Mopani, are genuine.
This is after Mopani Copper Mines (MCM) officials denied allegations that were circulating in the media that residents of Mufulira are suffering from sulphur dioxide pollution caused by the mining company’s operations on the Copperbelt.
Speaking to the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, Mabeta however maintains that, “that was a genuine concern which was raised on the floor of the house.
“I asked that question to the Minister of Mines and not Mopani so how does Mopani respond on behalf of the Minister.”
“This issue is still active on the floor of the house and I can’t comment [any further].” the MP remarked.
Mopani Copper Mines told ZBT that “the video which was circulating was outdated, reportedly filmed around 2012 or 2013, the period when the mine last experienced emission problems.
“The Honorable Member based his comments on that video, but the reality is that the problem was resolved years ago. We addressed sulphur dioxide emissions by installing two acid plants, which capture up to 96% of sulphur dioxide and convert it into sulfuric acid,” Mopani officials told ZBT.
The company further emphasized that since the commissioning of the acid plants, measures have been in place to prevent such emissions. “We have a trigger response action plan and emission monitors installed along the mine’s perimeter, which provide real-time data independently verified by the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA). Anyone can request historical emission records from ZEMA,” the officials added.
