The Minister of Mines and Energy, Tom Alweendo, has addressed questions posed by LPM MP Henny Seibeb regarding allegations of lead exposure cover-up by Trevali Mining Corporation in the ||Kharas Region.

Seibeb noted that a medical report exists that reveals the findings of lead concentration tests conducted on 30 children. According to the report, all 30 children exhibited high levels of lead in their blood. These tests were performed by a medical doctor who was previously employed by the mining company.

Minister Alweendo emphasised the gravity of the issue, acknowledging that mining activities carry health and safety risks for employees and the surrounding communities.

He stated that strict safety and health plans are mandatory for mining companies as part of their licencing requirements.

"Our priority is to ensure that such risks are minimised. We did find the potential for lead exposure, and it is our responsibility to address it. We continue to engage with Trevali Mining Corporation to ensure they take the necessary actions based on our recommendations. studies conducted by Rosipina Zinc Corporation in February and June of 2020 to assess lead and arsenic concentrations in the residential areas near the mining operation. These studies indeed revealed high lead levels in the blood of tested individuals. After the exposure of these findings, a meeting was convened with the company, involving the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Labour, to address the concerns raised in the report."

Alweendo denied any government involvement in the cover-up of health-related concerns within the mining sector. 

He also clarified that there was no termination of the contract of the doctor who conducted the medical investigation, saying the doctor's contract simply expired upon completion of the report.