CAIRO: Zambia environment authorities on Saturday closed a copper mining plant operated by the Mopani Copper Mine company after health complaints from local residents continued to drag the mine. The move was seen by locals as an attempt to crackdown on poor conditions at mines across the country and comes after environmental activists called on the government to enhance oversight on mining operations in the country. The plant, which is controlled by Swiss commodity trader Glencore AG, was placed under the spotlight for its pollution levels. Over 3,200 residents in Butondo had been urging the Zambia Environmental Management Authority (ZEMA) to look into a series of health complaints dating back to 2006, with many locals relocating their children to relatives and friends in other towns. An investigation commissioned by ZEMA has now concluded that acid mists produced by the plant do indeed pose a serious health risk. The plant is to remain shut until all health concerns are addressed. Zambia is Africa's biggest copper producer. BM ShortURL: http://goo.gl/o7g60 Tags: Copper, Mining, Zambia Section: Environment, Health, Latest News, Southern Africa
