LUANSHYA MINE ‘POLLUTES’ MPATAMATO

OPERATIONS at the new open-pit mine in Luanshya have caused damage to houses in Mpatamatu, raising protests among residents, especially in section 21.

The residents have complained that activities at the Luanshya Copper Mine-run open-pit was not only damaging their houses, but also causing illnesses such as Tuberculosis (TB) and other respiratory-related diseases, which will have long term effects on them.

According to the affected residents, the mine had continued conducting business in total disregard of environmental hazards.

Explosive blasting was causing emission of harmful fumes and dust which were polluting the Mpatamato area and causing illnesses among the residents.

The residents have since demanded for an immediate suspension of mining activities or that LCM relocates them with compensation.

Mpatamato ward 21 chairman, Joe Chitente, said that the blasting done by mining firm was causing serious emissions to the people in the area. "The blasting that is taking place has really affected us.

Some of us are into farming and our crops are getting destroyed," Mr Chitente said.

LCM spokesperson, Sydney Chileya, assured the residents that the matter would be resolved as it was under serious consideration.

"We engaged the contractor to ensure that we find ways of reducing dust. We have procured another water bouser to supplement the one that we already have to reduce dust in the area," he said

Mr Chileya assured those that were into farming that a lasting solution would be provided to the residents, admitting that the residents' concerns were genuine.

He stated that discussions on the matter were underway within the firm.