Following the contamination incident of the Sabeto River attributed to Lion One Metals, which resulted in a prohibition on the river’s usage, the company is now seeking a special site right from the Ministry of Mineral Resources. This application is for a 19.07-hectare plot in the Tikina of Sabeto, Vaturu, located in the Province of Ba. The goal is to construct a diversion drain that will handle surface runoff, diverting it into Pigeon Creek before it reaches the main Sabeto River.
Dr. Apete Soro, the Director of Mines, has released a public notice regarding the application, stating that there is a 30-day window for submitting objections to this new project. The public notice was officially published on May 19, 2025.
This development comes in light of serious concerns raised by the community, following reports of dead fish, eels, and frogs discovered in the river, indicative of significant ecological distress. The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change has begun independent water testing to analyze the chemical contamination and ascertain the full extent of the incident’s impact on local biodiversity and community health.
Lion One Metals, which has acknowledged that the contamination resulted from a lapse in communication between operational and environmental teams, is under pressure to improve its practices. The company’s commitment to rectifying the situation and cooperating with relevant authorities has been noted as a positive step towards ensuring future compliance with environmental standards.
Consistent with prior incidents affecting the Sabeto River, local leaders are advocating for accountability and transparency as essential measures moving forward. The hope is that this will not only lead to better environmental stewardship from Lion One Metals but also foster a collaborative relationship between the mining company and the local communities to protect vital water resources.
The ongoing dialogue and actions being taken to address environmental concerns could lead to improved safety practices and stronger regulatory oversight in the mining industry, ultimately benefiting both the ecology of the Sabeto River and the livelihoods of those who depend on it.
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