New Project Launched to Tackle Mine Water Pollution in Zambia’s Copperbelt
New BRT project, MWAZACO (Mine Water Atlas of Zambian Copperbelt), has officially launched! On July 23rd 2025, the project was launched with the goal of addressing one of Zambia’s most pressing environmental and public health challenges: the contamination of water resources caused by decades of intensive mining in the Copperbelt Province.
The project, funded by the Czech Development Agency (CzechAid) and implemented by Future Resources Development z.s. (FRDA), in partnership with the Copperbelt University (CBU), the Mines Safety Department (MSD), HYDRO-PUR, OPV and the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague (CZU), the project will run from 2025 to 2027.
What is MWAZACO?
MWAZACO is an initiative that will create Zambia’s first publicly accessible Mine Water Atlas, a digital platform combining satellite data, field sampling, hydrogeological models, and community-based risk assessments. The Atlas will be used by government authorities, researchers, and communities to identify pollution hotspots, assess the safety of drinking and irrigation water, and plan effective interventions.
In addition to the Atlas, the project will build and commission a pilot water treatment plant and an integrated demonstration farm using treated mine water for irrigation, aquaculture, and small-scale livestock production. This site will serve as a model for sustainable water reuse in mining-affected areas.
Innovation Meets Local Relevance
The MWAZACO project stands out for its innovative use of reactive transport models, modular treatment technologies, and integration of Czech and Zambian scientific expertise. The Czech partners will contribute advanced hydrogeological modelling and water treatment design, while the Zambian institutions will lead on-the-ground implementation and long-term ownership.
Communities and Institutions centered approach
More than a technical solution, MWAZACO is a community-driven initiative. Local communities in Kitwe, Chingola, and Mufulira will actively participate in water sampling, workshops, and decision-making processes. At least 20 Zambian professionals will receive training, and 4 full MSc scholarships will be awarded to develop the next generation of environmental leaders.
Czech Development Cooperation in Action
This project builds on the Czech Republic’s growing portfolio of development activities in Southern Africa, particularly in the areas of water, environment, and sustainability.
"This project stands as a model for Czech-Zambian cooperation. It connects deep Czech expertise in water treatment and environmental modelling with the local knowledge and commitment of our Zambian partners," said Hynek Roubík, BRT Director, Dean of the Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, CZU Prague
Check out the project website: HERE
Stay tuned for more information on this exciting project!
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