A consulting firm, Eltween consultants, contracted by avocado mining to assess the environmental impact of pollution caused by the company in Kalulushi district on the Copperbelt last month, has reported steady progress in aligning operations with mining regulatory frameworks.
Government, through the mines safety department, had earlier suspended operations at avocado mining following Sulphur dioxide emissions that polluted nearby communities, including Mugala and Kalulushi west.
Eltween consultants’ environmental and social management consultant, Mwelwa Musosha, however says the company has taken a notable step of procuring a de-sulphuriser, or scrubber, designed to trap excess sulphuric acid emissions.
Mr. Musosha explains that another key intervention is the complete overhaul of the company’s environmental department, including the recruitment of qualified staff mandated to oversee and manage environmental compliance.
He has also disclosed that avocado mining has begun sourcing low-Sulphur content material, a move expected to significantly reduce Sulphur emissions from its operations while taking a proactive approach in implementing comprehensive environmental management systems.
