Central Province Permanent Secretary Milner Mwanakampwe has dispelled allegations that former workers at a mineral processing plant in Mkushi are dying from chest pains resulting from inhalation of poisonous substances at the mine which was closed two years ago.

Dr. Mwanakampwe says that all the former workers of the Chinese firm, Yiang jewelry, were examined and that none of them exhibited symptoms of illness from the alleged inhalation of dust particles from the plant where quartz and amethyst was being cut.

He told ZANIS that it is wrong to assume that each death recorded from the former employees of the named company is a result of inhalation of poisonous substances of the processing plant that was closed in 2022.

“Unless there is proper evidence from professionals that the individual really suffered from inhalation of hazardous substances at the plant, we’ll treat it as a mere speculation,” he said.

He stated that government cannot be reckless to allow investments whose operations can affect the health of citizens.

“We need investments but not at the expense of the health of our people,” he said.

He stated that Yiang jewelry has been held by aZambian caretaker for the last two years.

And, Dr Mwakampwe says government will continue to ensure that mining firms or processors take responsibility for any employee who develops health complications as a result of operational hazards. 

“We will make sure that they cover all hospital bills,” he said.

Recently, families of some former employees of the processing plant are reported to have alleged that the former employees have developed chest pains resulting from the dust at Yiang jewelry.