Mine waste dumps are formed by the dumping of waste materials from the mining and mineral processing activities. The dumps are known by various names depending on the particular stage at which they are produced: overburden and waste rock (materials produced at the mining stage); tailings (waste products from the concentrator); slimes (produced by the refinery); and slag (from the smelter). Occupaying approximately 10 000 hectares, mine waste dumps have potential effects on the environment:

	Fine silt that runoff from the dumps during the rainy season pollute the immediate stream and the Kafue River impacting negatively on plant and animal life in the water such as smothering fish eggs and aquatic plants
	Sediments deposit on the streams/river bottom reducing water flow to downstream users and increasing the risks of flooding
	Fine silt in the river makes water treatment for portable use costly.
	If not properly drained, water trapped inside the waste dumps can lead to dam failure and potentially cause flooding as a wave of mud-like material flow downstream endangering human life and pollute the environment.
	Some dumps may contain metals with properties that can, under certain exposure conditions, harm people and the environment.
	Wind blown dust from bare surfaces of dumps can be a significant nuisance to surrounding areas as well as having a potential for spreading heavy metals, contaminating crops and affecting the health of local inhabitants.
	They disturb the aesthetic beauty of the environment;
	if not properly managed, eroded materials from the dam can silt up surface water channels which could result in reduced carrying capacity of drains with consequences of flooding.

Mine Waste Dumps Mitigation Measures

There are several possible mitigation measures that can be applied to the problem of mine waste dumps including the following:

	Revegetation strategies to encourage trees, grass and other vegetation to grow on the dumps to stop silt from being eroded from dump surface—this could require profiling and re-contouring to make the slopes less steep;
	Constant drainage of water that collect on top of the dump to prevent overtopping and breaking of dam wall;
	Collection and treatment of water running off from the dumps and to allow only clean water to discharge to immediate streams.
	Prevention of vandalism and cutting of vegetation on the dumps that could result in tailings being washed into local streams.
	Engagement of local communities in the management of waste dumps, with the emphasis on tangible benefits in terms of health, safety and agricultural opportunities.