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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: [email protected]/ [email protected]