Dead fish, eels and frogs found floating along the Sabeto River have sparked fears for the health and safety of local communities relying on the waterway.
Residents near Korobebe Village, the worst affected area, say the river’s pollution is linked to high copper levels, believed to come from the nearby Tuvatu Gold Mine.
Sabeto district headman Apisalome Saukuru said concerns about mine waste runoff were raised at a Sabeto Tikina meeting earlier this year.
“Korobebe Village headman Ropate Navilalutu raised the issue, saying the river was changing colour and believed the mine was to blame,” Mr Saukuru said.
“We held talks with Lion One (mine operator), and they assured us nothing like this would happen. They kept saying, ‘It’s safe’.”
Mr Saukuru said the district requested a thorough water analysis to protect those who fish, wash and swim in the river but were yet to receive a response.
Korobebe villager Epeli Limairi urged caution when using the river.
“We don’t want anyone to get sick,” he said.
“But people depend on this river to swim, fish and wash clothes.
“Animals also drink from it.”
Lion One Metals chief operating officer Patrick Hickey confirmed that contaminated water containing elevated copper levels was discharged from their pond last Thursday.
“Some fish species near the mine are especially vulnerable to copper,” Mr Hickey said.
He acknowledged the incident was caused by human error because of a verbal miscommunication between the mill operations and environmental teams.
“I want to assure the community this will not happen again.”
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC) sent officers to investigate early on Sunday morning but could not conduct water tests because the mining facilities were closed.
In a statement issued yesterday, the ministry stated that Lion One Ltd held a valid Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) requiring wastewater to be treated in settling ponds and discharge to meet national liquid waste standards under the Environmental Management Regulations 2007.
“MECC is conducting comprehensive testing to pinpoint the contamination source and consulting with village elders.”
Residents near the river are advised not to use it until further notice.
A young Korobebe villager takes his horses for a drink along the upper Sabeto River. Picture: BALJEET SINGH
