(Ecofin Agency) - World Bank has agreed to lend Zambia more than $100 million to help it curb health risks associated to environmental mining pollution. The loan will also support the country’s economic diversification.

“The project is very significant for Zambia because it will contribute to clean up some parts of the old mining town of Kabwe which still has unacceptably high levels of lead in the soil,” the bank said.

The financial institution said that out of the loan, $65.6 million will be used to mitigate risks associated with mining pollution, while $40 million will be used to support agro-industrial and commercial projects as part of the country’s strategy to diversify its economy.

Second largest copper producer in Africa, Zambia relies a lot on its mining sector. The sector however causes many environmental issues in cities where mines are locates.

Louis-Nino Kansoun