"Alweendo confirms lead exposure among children at Rosh Pinah", 12 October 2023

"Mines and energy minister Tom Alweendo has confirmed that test results have detected lead in the blood of 18 of 30 children living near the zinc mine at Rosh Pinah.

The test, conducted by the Rosh Pinah Health Care Clinic, showed that the blood lead levels of all children sampled and measured as part of the lead programme in 2020 were above the reference level, constituting quantified lead exposure and quantified lead absorption.

Lead is a chemical element that has potential health risks to humans. It is mined as a by-product of other more valuable metals such as silver and zinc....

The affected children at Rosh Pinah and their families live near the mine being operated by the Rosh Pinah Zinc Corporation....

The mine’s vice president, Sheron Kaviua, said the mine remains committed to the health and safety of its staff and the community. Kaviua said the mine carried out a lead awareness campaign in local schools and distributed lead awareness pamphlets to the community, while the identified area responsible for lead inducement was fenced off to prevent children from entering the affected area.

She said an alternative safer place was identified and a play park was built.

“The company continues to conduct campaigns with employees who continue to be tested without any incidents of Namibian lead regulations requirements having been breached,” said Kaviua."