Message Sam 4 Sep 2010 07:56

Ndola Lime to slash dust emissions By Times Reporter NDOLA

Ndola Lime to slash dust emissions

By Times Reporter

NDOLA Lime Company has installed an electrostatic precipitator (ESP) dust abatement system on its rotary kiln with the aim of controlling emissions at the country’s sole lime stone mine, company production manager Wilson Manda has said.

The move taken by Ndola Lime is in response to concerns by some residents of Itawa, Ndeke, Town Centre and other surrounding areas over the continued dust emissions from the nearby lime stone and cement processing plants whose by-products they fear could be a threat to their health.

The dust has also irked the residents who have said it messes up their houses, offices and motor vehicles.

Mr Manda said in Ndola yesterday that the ESP facility fixed to the rotary kiln was now ready for commissioning.

“We recognise the environmental concerns that are associated with the operation of the rotary kiln.

“During the testing period there will be emissions of dust above the statutory limit. We, however, want to assure the public that every effort will be made to minimise dust emissions,” he said.

And in a recent message to stakeholders, Mr Manda said the operational mechanism of the new ESP was subjected to adequate tests.

He said once the ESP was fully commissioned, the company did not expect any environmental concerns with respect to the operation of the rotary kiln.

The Environmental Council of Zambia recently said industries in Ndola had been given progressive time in which to reduce the emissions to the environment.

ECZ senior inspector, Maxwell Chibanga said reducing emissions needed huge capital investment and it was in that light that industries, including the ones in Ndola, were given progressive time to reduce emissions.

“Most companies are working on it and I know Ndola Lime and Lafarge have acquired machinery to reduce dust emissions,” he said.

The ECZ recently bought two-dust and gas analysers at a cost of US$500,000 meant to monitor and analyse the amount of air pollution in a particular area for the purpose of regulation.

The state-of-the-art equipment was brought into Zambia last month and would be stationed in Lusaka and Ndola.

The equipment was procured from the United States of America and Italy while the software was bought from Sweden.