Zambia: Lumwana Mine Workers’ Health at Risk Due to Uranium Contamination: Urgent Action Needed, Says EFF President
Summary
Date Reported: 8 Mar 2024
Location: Zambia
Companies
Lumwana Mining Company - Subsidiary , Barrick Gold - Parent CompanyProjects
LumwanaAffected
Total individuals affected: Number unknown
Workers: ( Number unknown - Location unknown - Sector unknown , Gender not reported )Issues
Water pollution , Occupational Health & Safety , Right to UnionisationSource type: News outlet
"Lumwana Mine Workers’ Health at Risk Due to Uranium Contamination:Urgent Action Needed, Says EFF President" 8 March 2024
In a startling revelation, workers at Lumwana Mine in Kalumbila District have voiced grave concerns about their health, attributing it to uranium pollution in the drinking water. The situation, compounded by governmental inaction and alleged collusion with mine owners, poses a severe risk to lives, especially following the mine’s admission last November to contaminating water with uranium.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) President, Kasonde Mwenda C, condemned the government’s indifference and collusion, stressing that lives are in jeopardy due to its failure to take decisive action. Despite the mine’s acknowledgment of the contamination, the Ministry of Mines prematurely closed the case, and the mining company terminated a union leader who advocated for medical examinations of affected workers. ...