Securing Clean Water for Zambia’s Copperbelt
Mine Water Atlas of the Zambian Copperbelt (MWAZACO) is a collaborative initiative safeguarding drinking and irrigation water across Zambia’s Copperbelt Province.
About the Project
MWAZACO – Mine Water Atlas of the Zambian Copperbelt – is a development and environmental protection initiative funded by the Czech Development Agency (CZDA). The project is implemented by Future Resources Development z.s. (FRDA), in partnership with the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague (CZU), OPV s.r.o., HYDRO-PUR s.r.o., and key Zambian stakeholders, including the Mines Safety Department (MSD) and Copperbelt University (CBU).
Running from 2025 to 2027, MWAZACO aims to address one of Zambia’s most pressing environmental challenges – the contamination and mismanagement of water resources resulting from intensive mining and metallurgical activities in the Copperbelt Province. The project represents the first stage in a broader national vision to create a Mine Water Atlas of Zambia (MWAZA), which will ultimately cover all mining regions of the country. The current project, MWAZACO, therefore serves as the pilot phase of this long-term vision.
In the future, the MWAZACO model will be scaled up and integrated into the larger MWAZA framework, building a comprehensive nationwide system for monitoring, managing, and reusing mine-affected water resources. The branding and visual identity under the MWAZA logo reflect this long-term ambition and the commitment to sustainable water management across Zambia.
Through the creation of Zambia’s first Mine Water Atlas, MWAZACO will provide an open-access, geo-referenced online platform mapping all sources of mine water pollution, contamination hotspots, and potential sites for water treatment and reuse. In addition, a pilot mine water treatment plant and demonstration farm will be constructed to showcase sustainable and replicable water reuse solutions.
By linking scientific knowledge, modern technology, and community engagement, MWAZACO supports the transition towards safe water use, improved environmental health, and long-term resilience in mining-affected areas, laying the foundation for future national expansion under the MWAZA vision.
Objectives
MWAZACO’s overarching goal is to secure sustainable access to clean, safe water in Zambia’s Copperbelt Province through data-driven management of mine-affected water resources.
Specific objectives:
Map and assess contamination sources
and vulnerability hotspots across the Copperbelt using a digital platform that integrates field data, satellite imagery, and risk modelling.
Design and pilot a water treatment and reuse system
for contaminated mine water, including a containerised treatment unit and a demonstration farm using treated water.
Strengthen institutional and technical capacity
by establishing a Centre of Excellence at Copperbelt University (CBU), supporting research, training, and data analysis in mine water management.
Enhance public and professional awareness
through targeted outreach, workshops, and communication campaigns promoting knowledge-sharing and community participation.
Consortium / Partners
MWAZACO unites Czech and Zambian institutions with complementary expertise in environmental management, hydrogeology, and sustainable development. Together, these partners bring scientific expertise, practical experience, and institutional commitment to improving water governance and sustainability in Zambia. Each partner contributes unique strengths that, together, form a complete chain, from research and innovation to implementation and long-term capacity building.
Zambia
Mines Safety Department (MSD), Zambia
The Mines Safety Department operates under Zambia’s Ministry of Mines and Mineral Development and is responsible for regulatory oversight of mining safety and environmental compliance. As a principal Zambian institutional partner, MSD will host and maintain the Mine Water Atlas, ensuring long-term institutional ownership. The department also coordinates policy integration, data validation, and stakeholder collaboration across government agencies.
Copperbelt University (CBU), Zambia
Located in Kitwe, Copperbelt University is one of Zambia’s leading public universities in engineering, environmental sciences, and mining research. CBU plays a central role in MWAZACO by hosting the new Centre of Excellence on Mine Water Management, conducting fieldwork, training students, and engaging local communities. The university also supports awareness-raising and knowledge dissemination to promote sustainable water governance.
Czech Republic
Future Resources Development z.s. (FRDA) – Lead Implementer
FRDA is a Czech non-profit organisation specialising in environmental protection, resource management, and international development cooperation. It leads MWAZACO’s implementation, coordination, and stakeholder engagement, drawing on its experience in geology, hydrogeology, and sustainable community development across Africa and Central Europe. FRDA also oversees fieldwork, data integration, and project management to ensure alignment with the Czech Development Agency (CZDA) priorities.
Czech University of Life Sciences Prague (CZU)
CZU is one of the Czech Republic’s leading universities in environmental sciences, agriculture, and sustainable development. Through its Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences (FTA), CZU supports MWAZACO with research expertise, technical analysis, and communication strategy. The university contributes to training, public outreach, and academic supervision for students involved in mine water management. Its role strengthens science–policy dialogue and ensures that the project’s findings contribute to education and innovation.
OPV s.r.o.
OPV is a Czech private company providing specialised services in geology, ecology, and remediation of polluted environments. The company’s core expertise includes hydrogeological surveys, environmental risk assessments, and design of remediation technologies. Within MWAZACO, OPV leads geological mapping, data modelling, and risk analysis, drawing on extensive experience in Zambia and cooperation with the Czech Geological Survey.
HYDRO-PUR s.r.o.
HYDRO-PUR designs and constructs water treatment systems for drinking, industrial, and environmental applications. The company contributes its technological know-how to the design, engineering, and installation of the pilot mine water treatment plant in Zambia’s Copperbelt. HYDRO-PUR’s innovations support MWAZACO’s mission to transform contaminated mine waters into safe, reusable resources for agriculture and communities.
Jackson King Kafwanka (Network Manager, MSD Zambia)
Environmental Engineer with over 13 years of senior experience regulating occupational health, safety, and environmental management in Zambia’s mining sector. As Network Manager for MWAZACO, he facilitates collaboration between government, communities, and mining institutions to ensure the use of reliable mine water information for informed decision-making.
“Water is life for humans, flora and fauna; its sustainable management ensures the thriving of key aspects that support the well‑being of humanity and its ecosystems. There is need to protect, preserve and treat every form of water resource for sustainability.”– Jackson King
Canisius Mwila Mwenya (Communications Manager, MSD Zambia)
Senior Inspector of Environment at the Mines Safety Department in Zambia with expertise in mining operations, environmental oversight, and occupational safety. Within MWAZACO, he serves as Communications Manager in Zambia, ensuring that project updates and results are shared with the public and key national stakeholders.
“Given my interest in environmental protection, this project provides an important opportunity to contribute to assessing the extent of water pollution caused by mining activities and communicate the findings to stakeholders.” – Canisius Mwenya
Dr. Gabriel Ziwa, AFHEA (Lecturer & Geochemist, CBU Zambia)
Lecturer in geology at the Copperbelt University specializing in mining geology, exploration, geostatistics, and environmental geochemistry. He contributes to geological and geochemical mapping of mine water, modelling contaminant transport, dissemination activities, and MSc training within MWAZACO.
“Meeting today’s water demands without compromising tomorrow’s needs.” – Dr. Gabriel Ziwa
Michal Žák (Project Lead, FRDA)
Environmental engineer and project leader with a strong background in hydrochemistry, water treatment technologies, and sustainable resource management. As founder and director of the Future Resources Development Association (FRDA), he leads international projects focused on environmental protection, clean water access, and development cooperation. His work integrates scientific practice, applied research, and community engagement to promote sustainable, science-based solutions.
Zbyněk Vencelides (Co‑Founder, FRDA)
Hydrogeologist and project manager with more than 25 years of experience in groundwater protection, hydrochemical modeling, and environmental remediation. He has led national and international projects addressing groundwater sustainability and contamination. As a co‑founder of FRDA, he connects scientific expertise with practical implementation and contributes actively to education and professional training in hydrogeology.
Karel Raus (Co‑Founder & MWAZACO Coordinator, FRDA)
Geologist and GIS specialist with experience in environmental geology, hydrogeochemistry, and spatial data management. He focuses on hydrochemical modeling, environmental risk assessment, and the use of GIS and remote sensing for environmental decision-making. As a co‑founder of FRDA and coordinator of the MWAZACO project in Zambia, he promotes digital innovation and communication to support informed environmental awareness.
Martin Havlice, Ph.D. (Senior Expert, OPV & FRDA)
Environmental and engineering geologist with over fifteen years of experience in hydrogeology, remediation geology, and sustainable water management. He specializes in groundwater monitoring, hydrochemical assessment, and the remediation of contaminated sites. As a senior expert at OPV and partner of FRDA, he contributes scientific precision, extensive field experience, and long‑term commitment to sustainable resource management.
Jaroslav Kořistka (Senior Hydrogeologist, FRDA)
Hydrogeologist and project manager with over 30 years of experience in groundwater remediation, hydrogeochemistry, and environmental protection. He has led numerous monitoring and remediation projects across Europe. His expertise supports FRDA’s long-term environmental research, project coordination, and sustainable groundwater resource management.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hynek Roubík (Dean, FTZ CZU & BRT Director)
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hynek Roubík is the Dean of the Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences at CZU Prague and Director of the BioResources & Technology Division. His work focuses on circular bioeconomy, waste‑to‑resource systems, and sustainable technologies, particularly in tropical and developing regions. He has coordinated numerous international research and capacity‑building projects across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Europe, and is active in Horizon Europe consortia and science‑policy dialogues.
“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.” – Hynek Roubík
Ing. Jan Staš, Ph.D. (Project Manager & Agriculture–Aquaculture Expert, CZU)
Project manager and applied researcher at the Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, CZU Prague, with expertise in sustainable rural development, integrated farming, aquaculture, and circular technologies. Within MWAZACO, he contributes to the development of the model farm concept, integration of aquaculture and horticulture using treated mine water, and climate‑resilient farming technologies. He also coordinates project activities and manages the website and dissemination.
“Sustainable use of water resources is not only a technical challenge, but also the foundation for resilient food systems. By integrating smart farming solutions with responsible water management, we can turn even the most constrained environments into productive and sustainable landscapes.” – Jan Staš
Ing. Stacy Hammond, Ph.D. (Communications Manager, CZU)
Researcher and science communicator at the BioResources & Technology Division (CZU), specializing in agroforestry, crop management, ecology, and plant biotechnology. As Communications Manager for MWAZACO, she leads outreach strategy, visual identity, and the transformation of technical results into accessible communication for stakeholders, communities, and the wider public.
“MWAZACO shows how mine water knowledge can strengthen communities across the Copperbelt. This project bridges data, people, and action, transforming insights into practical solutions that reach the right people, in the right way, and inspire informed decisions with lasting impact.” – Stacy Hammond
Masha Gulak (Communications Officer, CZU)
Communications Officer for MWAZACO at CZU. She holds a BSc in Wildlife Biology and is completing a Master’s in Nature Conservation with research in wolf ecology. Her expertise includes science communication, conservation technology, and interdisciplinary environmental research. She supports communication and dissemination activities to ensure project results are accessible and engaging.
“MWAZACO inspires me because it bridges science, technology, and community engagement to transform complex environmental challenges into practical solutions!” – Masha Gulak
Expected Outcomes & Impact
MWAZACO will deliver tangible, long-lasting benefits for Zambia’s environment, communities, and institutions:
The Mine Water Atlas of the Zambian Copperbelt
a publicly accessible, decision-support platform integrating environmental, hydrogeological, and social data.
A pilot water treatment plant and demonstration farm
providing proof of concept for mine water reuse in irrigation and community applications.
Strengthened institutional capacity
within CBU and MSD for ongoing monitoring, data management, and environmental governance.
Trained professionals and students
equipped with practical expertise in hydrogeology, risk assessment, and sustainable water management.
News & Updates
- The MWAZACO project will share regular updates, stories, and visual highlights from Zambia and the Czech Republic. Upcoming activities include the launch of the Mine Water Atlas, the establishment of the Centre of Excellence at CBU, and the commissioning of the pilot treatment plant.
- Stay tuned for project updates, fieldwork insights, and capacity-building events that showcase how Czech and Zambian partners are collaborating to achieve cleaner water and a healthier environment.
Coordinator / Communications
Project Coordinator:
- Future Resources Development z.s. (FRDA)
- U Habrovky 247/11, Krč, 140 00 Prague, Czech Republic
- Email: zak.m@frda.org | www.frda.org
Project Communications:
- MWAZACO Project Communications Team
- Email: comms4mwazaco@gmail.com
