Mine Water Atlas of Zambian Copperbelt
Řízení kvality vody a důlního znečištění
Since 2025, the MWAZACO project has been addressing long-term impacts of mining activities on groundwater and surface water in Zambia’s Copperbelt region. The area is one of the most important mining zones in sub-Saharan Africa and is heavily affected by mine discharges, tailings, and legacy contamination, posing risks to drinking water sources, ecosystems, and local communities.
The project focuses on the creation of a publicly accessible Mine Water Atlas combined with applied pilot solutions and strong involvement of academic institutions, regulators, and local stakeholders. MWAZACO is funded by the Czech Development Agency (CzechAid) and implemented through close Czech–Zambian cooperation.
Project
MWAZACO integrates environmental data collection, applied research, technology demonstration, and capacity building. The project supports evidence-based decision-making in water governance by mapping contamination hotspots, assessing risks, and strengthening institutional and human capacities in Zambia.
Solution
The solution is based on a combination of technical, institutional, and educational measures:
- development of a public GIS-based Mine Water Atlas with hydrogeological and water-quality data,
- field surveys and identification of priority contamination hotspots,
- design and operation of a pilot mobile water treatment unit with a demonstration reuse farm,
- training of local experts, MSc student involvement, and knowledge transfer,
- engagement of communities, regulators, and universities.
Roles of Key Partners
- Future Resources Development z.s. (FRDA) – Lead partner responsible for overall project coordination, management, Czech–Zambian cooperation, and communication with CzechAid. FRDA ensures integration of sustainable development principles and long-term project impact.
- OPV s.r.o. – Technical partner providing expertise in hydrogeological investigations, assessment of contaminated rock environments and groundwater, risk evaluation, and design of remediation and mitigation approaches related to mine water pollution.
- Czech University of Life Sciences Prague (CZU) – Academic and research partner responsible for methodological development of the Mine Water Atlas, research activities, student involvement, and capacity building in water and environmental management.
- Copperbelt University (CBU) – Main local academic partner hosting project activities in Zambia, operating the pilot treatment unit and demonstration farm, delivering trainings, and ensuring long-term sustainability of project outputs.
- Mines Safety Department (MSD), Zambia – Institutional partner providing regulatory data, mine-related information, and supporting the uptake of the Mine Water Atlas for environmental risk management.
- HYDRO-PUR s.r.o. – Technology partner supplying and adapting water treatment technologies for the pilot treatment unit.
Result
The project will deliver a functional and publicly accessible Mine Water Atlas, will improve understanding of mine water risks, will demonstrate pilot reuse of treated mine water, and will strengthen local expertise and institutions. MWAZACO will contribute to improved access to safer water, enhanced environmental protection, and increased resilience of mining-affected communities in Zambia.
