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.
MSD: Name Surname
Full Name:
Institution / Organisation:
Position in MWAZACO Project:
Email:
Country:
Short Biography (max. 150–200 words):
(Summarise academic or professional background, main areas of expertise, and key contributions to the MWAZACO project. The tone should be concise, professional, and written in the third person.)
Key Focus Areas / Expertise:
- e.g. Hydrogeology and Water Management
- e.g. Environmental Risk Assessment
- e.g. Project Coordination & Stakeholder Engagement
Quote or Statement (1–2 sentences):
A short personal reflection or motivation related to sustainable water management or project goals.
ČZU: Hynek Roubík
Full Name:
Institution / Organisation:
Position in MWAZACO Project:
Email:
Country:
Short Biography (max. 150–200 words):
(Summarise academic or professional background, main areas of expertise, and key contributions to the MWAZACO project. The tone should be concise, professional, and written in the third person.)
Key Focus Areas / Expertise:
- e.g. Hydrogeology and Water Management
- e.g. Environmental Risk Assessment
- e.g. Project Coordination & Stakeholder Engagement
Quote or Statement (1–2 sentences):
A short personal reflection or motivation related to sustainable water management or project goals.
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
