MINING AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHALENGES IN ZAMBIA

by

MORGAN KATATI MINING INDABA NDOLA

17- 19th JULY, 2013

Presentation Overview

Background of the Environmental Management Agency (ZIEM)

Mining and the EnvironmentPollution associated with mining and effectsHow can communities detect pollutionAction that can be taken by the communities Role of environmental agenciesRole of civic organisationsCritical points

Background of ZIEM

• Zambia Institute of environmental management is a member based institution. Registered as non governmental organization in Zambia

• MISSION STATEMENT• promotion of Environmental Governance and

sustainable environmental managementEnsure the upholding of the Environmental Rights

of citizens, that is:-The right to clean, safe and healthy environment for allThe right of access to environmental information

Function of ZIEM

1.Lobby & Advocacy2.Environmental Management3.Policy and Practice4.Environmental Governance5.Environmental Training6.Climate Change Adaptation & mitigation7.Facilitating, promoting and coordinating research

in environment and natural resources.

Mining and the Environment Historically, much focus in the mining industry as well as in

legislative frame work itself, has been on mining the mineral ore at a super profit at the expense of the environment.

It has to be noted that mining operations, including associated facilities and infrastructure involves permanent alteration of existing landforms, disturbance of flora and fauna, disruption of habitats, social and economic impacts due to high level of environmental degradation and contamination.

Residual or permanent environmental impacts at decommissioning stage of mines that will need to be managed with regards to public safety hazards and risk, potential sources of ongoing pollution, future land use and resources demands, ecological compatibility, community expectations and aesthetics are inevitable.

Pollution associated with mining

Air pollution but what is air pollution????

Definition of air pollution

Air Pollution is the introduction of substances or surplus energy as waste products of human activities into the atmosphere which, directly or indirectly, adversely alter or destroy the quality of the environment or cause undesirable effects on man, animals, vegetation and materials.

Types of air pollution

Discreet particulates– Smoke– Dust– Aerosol– Fumes– Mist

VaporsGases

Sources of Air pollution in mining

Fugitive dust from open cast miningAccess roads Slimes Dams Ore Processing Plants

Effects of Air Pollution

Natural Ecosystems and Crops– Acidification and eutrophication– Ground level ozone– Increased sensitivity of plant species to pest

attack– Shifts in rainfall patterns and temperature regimes– Diminished bio diversity e.g.• Sensitive ecosystems

Cont...

Air pollution causes a serious threat to human health– 487,000 premature deaths in Asia every year

(WHO, 2001)

Cont......

Economic ImpactsCorrosion• Studies in Europe have shown that the damage

per tonne of SO2 emitted ranged from US$ 86 to US$1,614.

• In Mufulira town, on the copper belt of Zambia, the life span of roofing sheets on houses was reduced 12 fold making maintenance more costly by at least US$0.6 million.

Indicators of air pollution to communities

Dust film of vegetation, infrastructure etcCorrosion of metal roofing sheetsIncrease in air pollution related illnesses:

wheezing, coughing, cheeky eyes Loss of bio-diversityThermal inversionsReduced plant growth

Indicators of Air Pollution

vegetation covered with dust at a limestone mining company

Indicators of Air Pollution (blowing stakes)

Issues to be considered by mining companies

Identification of impacts Epidemiological assessment

– Baseline of disease occurrence– Location of vulnerable population groups– Dispersion modeling

Assessment of impacts– Spatial, temporal, magnitude, reversibility, probability, dose

response. Legal requirements

– Design specifications, velocity, particulate/ gas concentrations, Identification of appropriate abatement measures. Assessment of residual impacts.

WATER POLLUTION

Mines largely pollute water sources through discharge of untreated effluent into rivers, dams and under ground.

Effects of water Pollution

Impacts of effluent discharge into the environment:Eutrophication due high nitrates and phosphatesOxygen depletion in water bodies affecting aquatic

life. Drinking water purification cost skyrockets.Bio-accumulation of heavy metals in organisms Spread of water borne disease eg cholera and

typhoidGeneral water quality is affected leading to health

implication

How can communities notice water pollution

Change in water colourDevelopment of smellDrying of vegetationDisease outbreak (water borne)Change in water testeFish deaths and other aquatic life formsUncontrolled water weedsReduced bio-diversityPresents of new species in water

Indicators of water pollution

Water weeds is an indication of water pollution

How should communities react pollution issues

Report the issues to respective environmental Agencies for Action

Inform interested civic organisations for appropriate action to be taken

Approach civil courts in the event of socio- economic losses to claim damages

Role of Environmental Agencies

Regulate and monitor pollution loads into water sources and the atmosphere

Arraign offenders before the courts Carry out licensing programmes that reflects the

correct level of pollution from mining companies ( polluter pays principle)

Provide economic incentives to promote voluntary compliance and reduction of pollution

Ambient air and water monitoringBio-monitoring

Role of Civic organisation

Partner with environmental Agencies to organise and educate communities on their environmental rights

Educate communities on basic environmental lawDo advocacy on behalf of communitiesPlay an over sight role on environmental agencies Train communities on basic environmental

monitoring and reporting

Challenges in proving air and water pollution cases before the courts

RELIABLEEVIDENCE

EXPERT EVIDENCE ON ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL ISSUES

PHOTOGRAPHICEVIDENCE

SCIENTIFIC REPORTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS

CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF

AIR, WATER AND LAND

DISCHARGES

Cont...

• Samples properly captured

• “Chain of custody” of samples, cradle to grave

• Transportation and storage of samples in manner preserving integrity

• Analysis pursuant to good laboratory practices, including properly calibrated and clean equipment

Critical points

Socio-economic development in the long term is affected by environmental pollution, so lets deal with it now!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank You

Morgan Katati

Zambia Institute of Environmental Management

Tel: +260 97 7 324410

E-Mail: morgankatati@yahoo.com/ zieminstitute@live.com