Vedanta Resources has expressed deep concern regarding the Sulphur dioxide leak at the Nchanga Smelter that occurred on the night of the 14th of November that has affected communities in the surrounding areas resulting in an undisclosed number being hospitalized.
“Vedanta is deeply disturbed and concerned by the news coming from Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) overnight and this morning of an apparent sulphur dioxide leak at the Nchanga Smelter Acid Plant, and of the hospitalisation of both KCM employees and pupils attending the nearby Nchanga Trust School”, read a statement issued by through designated Public Relations partners, R&A Strategic Communications on 15th November 2019 in Lusaka.
KCM, which recently announced that it would continue to ramp up production at all its Business Units include Nchanga, Konkola and Nampundwe while the Smelter at Nchanga was undergoing planned shutdown has been at the centre of controversy following the appointment of a Liquidator back in May. This was followed by Vedanta pursing possible arbitration through South African Courts which was meet with retaliation from shareholder ZCCM IH who indicated that the winding down would proceed.
“ZCCM-IH chief executive officer Mabvuto Chipata has urged the Lusaka High Court to continue with the KCM winding up proceedings because there is no dispute which has risen among the parties to warrant arbitration”, reported the Daily Mail on 26 July 2019.
The pollution incidence that was recorded has had the environmental agency deeply concerned and is considering taking the necessary steps based on its regulatory mandate. “The Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) would like to inform members of the general public that there was an incidence recorded last night, 14th November, 2019 at the Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) Nchanga Mine involving an abnormal discharge of Suplgur Dioxide from the Sulphur Burner component of the Acid Plant”, read a statement issued on the 15th by Irene Lungu Chipili of ZEMA. “Further regulatory action will be undertaken in line with provisions of the Environmental Management Act No. 12 of 2011 EMA”.
According to the EMA Act No. 12 under offences relating to hazardous waste, materials, and chemicals, the incident closely falls under section 121 (d) which reads “fails to manage any chemical or radioactive substance”. However, legal interpretation is required to further decode which provisions of the act the contamination falls in.
About Vedanta
Vedanta Resources Plc is a London Stock Exchange-listed company and one of the world’s largest diversified natural resources companies with interests in zinc, lead, silver, copper, aluminum, iron ore, power and oil and gas.