The operations of Tianyu Mining Zambia Limited has been brought to a halt by Chilanga District Task Force (DTF) who have agreed to shut down their operations for what the task force says the mining company failed to comply with set regulations by the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) on air pollution.
Richard Ndazye the DTF Chairperson castigated the management of Tianyu Mining Company for the openly ignoring to observe regulations set by ZEMA saying that such behaviors of constantly polluting the air with dust at the expense of locals will not be tolerated.
He said the company was supposed to engage the residents at Arduin farms and surrounding areas on the best possible way of ensuring that the dust arising from heavy duty vehicles is controlled.
“If you as a company do nothing on the air pollution happening in the area the cost of living for the people here will go up as they will keep going to the clinic to get medication for coughs owing to the dust caused by the heavy duty vehicles operating in the quarry and those coming to conduct business at the place.
If left unchecked serious illnesses such as silicosis will arise ,So you were supposed to engage the community on the best possible way of dealing with the matter unlike what is transpiring currently,’’ he said.
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The DFT Team carried a research to determine allegations raised by the residents of Arduin Farms within Chilanga district on air pollution whereby they toured roads connecting Mapepe-Shimabala and mining quarry to ascertain the alleged challenges.
Mr. Ndazye, who is also Chilanga District Commissioner (DC), said he would engage the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) on the matter.
According to the Arduin Farms Residents who spoke to the media they said that their families have suffered heavily from air borne diseases subject to the Mining Quarry.
Anastasia Sikwese said her family has constant coughs due to air being constantly pullulated as the road is not tarred neither does the company make initiatives of spraying water on the dusty road to reduce the air pollution.
Tianyu Mining Zambia Limited Manager names withheld once reached by the media did not co-operate who and opted to drive away pretending to be busy.
But an expatriate employee named Kevin Shong had a busy day to explain to the DTF the measures the company has put in place to stop air pollution
Shong who was put to task had nothing in defense and therefore to told DTF that the top management was on holiday in China and had failed to come back to Zambia as a result of strict COVID -19 regulations.
However, according to a letter received at the DC’s office from Tianyu Mining Zambia Limited the company has promised to be pouring water on the road three times daily.
The letters indicate that watering method will be upheld until management returns back from holiday at which time the company will adopt another more effective method of reducing the emission of dust into the air.
