Government has ordered another Chinese Mine Rongxine Investment to close for polluting the Luela river in Chambishi District on the Copperbelt Province.

Minister of Mines, Paul Kabuswe and Water Development and Sanitation Minister, Collins Nzovu said this after a tour of the tailings dam at the mine.

Mr Kabuswe stated that two weeks ago, a life was lost at the mine because of its irresponsibility on the part of the mine and operations at the company were suspended by ZEMA.

He said it is unfortunate that the company has continued to function even when operations were suspended.

He however instructed ZEMA, WARMA and the Mine Safety department to make sure no liquid is pumped out of the mine.

“The mine has been shut down, not only Sino Metals in Chambishi and there has to be compensation to our people affected on this mine, no jokes,” said the Mr Kabuswe.

He also warned officers who will be found compromising on the issue that they will go with Rongxine.

Mr Kabuswe said officers associated with the operations of the company will also be held responsible as to why the company is still operating.

He noted that the company decided to ignore the ZEMA Act, WARMA Act and the Mine Safety Department Act which they were fully aware of.

“You are not older than the instructions, until the Government is satisfied that everything is out of place will you start operating,” added Mr Kabuswe.

He said President Hakainde Hichilema wants 3 Million tonnes of Copper production and increased jobs but this should be done in a proper way and not losing people’s lives.

And Water Development and Sanitation Minister, Collins Nzovu expressed disappointment with what he found at the site and instructed the mine to institute a multi sectoral approach just like he did at Sino metals to stop the pollution.

Mr Nzovu said there is need to take serious action and the need to restore environmental credibility and compensation should not be ignored.

Meanwhile, Copperbelt Minister Elisha Matambo has told the company that the UPND Government will not allow the lives of the people at risk.

He called on all investors both local or foreign to abide by the rules of the country if they are to operate in Zambia.