Rosh Pinah Zinc Corporation says it will cooperate with health investigations into the effects of lead exposure on children and the community in the area.
The miner was quick to refute allegations that it has been covering up the hazardous situation.
“Notwithstanding community lead initiatives aimed at creating awareness of potential lead exposure, Rosh Pinah shares the related concerns and takes these allegations very seriously. The business is supporting to the fullest extent the Health Authorities who have since visited the site to further investigate these matters. Consequently, Rosh Pinah refutes any allegations of a cover up,” said Rosh Pinah Zinc Vice President of Operations, Sheron Kaviua.
In addition, Kaviua reiterated the mine’s commitment to ensuring that its employees and communities enjoy a safe and healthy working environment.
She said the mine will continue to enhance its existing lead management program which serves to substantially reduce exposure to lead concentrate not only with its employees but also communities, which may be affected by its mining operations.
“As this matter remains the subject of both external and internal investigations, Rosh Pinah will address any substantiated findings forthwith, to safeguard the health and wellbeing of our employees and affected communities, which remains our highest priority,” she added.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health spokesperson Walter Kamanya says the ministry has established a national committee deployed to the southern town to carry out investigations.
“We got the report, and a team is heading there to conduct further assessments. In addition, we shall engage in serious discussions with the mine to establish why this is happening and how it can be addressed,” Kamanya told The Brief.
These issues were brought to the fore by the Landless People’s Movement second in command, Henny Seibeb, who raised questions in Parliament, inquiring from the Minister of Mines and Energy Tom Alweendo, if he was aware and had the ministry instituted an investigation.
It is alleged that a medical report conducted recently showed that of the 10 children tested, a one-year-old baby exhibited a lead concentration of 25 in the body, while a two-year-old child had a concentration of 22.
“The blood lead reference value (BLRV) for children should not exceed five micrograms per deciliter (μg/dL). In some countries, a blood lead reference value of 3.5 μg/dL is utilised. If this lower value were applied in Namibia, it is possible that more children would be identified as having lead exposure,” Seibeb said as he pushed for answers.
Seibeb further argued that another medical report conducted more than three years ago, exists that reveals the findings of lead concentration tests conducted on 30 children, who exhibited high levels of lead in their blood.
“These tests were performed by a Medical Doctor who was previously employed by the mining company. The doctor recommended concrete measures be taken and advised the company to inform the Ministries of Health and Social Services, Mines and Energy and Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism. Unfortunately, the doctor’s contract was abruptly terminated, and he subsequently relocated to Cape Town,” he said.
“Nevertheless, he compiled a report that has been in existence for the past three years. The local clinic in Rosh Pinah is well aware of this situation; however, it appears that Trevali Mining Corporation is attempting to suppress this matter from becoming public knowledge.”
The health implications of lead exposure in children are significant, as high levels of exposure can severely impact the brain and central nervous system, potentially leading to coma, convulsions, and even death.
Mining-focused investment adviser Appian Capital Advisory recently completed the acquisition of a controlling 89.96% stake in the Rosh Pinah zinc/lead mine from Trevali Mining for an undisclosed amount.
