The Zambian government has firmly dismissed allegations of dangerous pollution in the country’s Copperbelt mining region, following a recent health alert issued by the United States embassy.
On Wednesday, the U.S. embassy in Lusaka raised alarm over what it described as “widespread contamination of water and soil” in Kitwe and surrounding areas. The alert prompted an immediate withdrawal of embassy personnel from the affected region, citing serious health risks linked to a February toxic waste spill at the Sino-Metals Leach Zambia mine.
The incident involved a tailings dam—used to store heavy metals and toxic waste—collapsing into the Kafue River after heavy rainfall. The river serves as a critical source of drinking water for nearby communities. According to the U.S., new information had revealed the presence of hazardous and carcinogenic substances in the area. The alert further warned of the possibility of airborne contaminants from the dried mine tailings, potentially harmful if inhaled.
However, Zambia’s government spokesperson, Cornelius Mweetwa, rejected the claims, insisting that “laboratory results show that pH levels have returned to normal” and that there is currently no threat to public health, water safety, or the environment.
“There is, therefore, absolutely no need to press the ‘panic button’ and alarm the nation and the international community,” Mweetwa said at a press briefing.
The Sino-Metals Leach Zambia mine is a subsidiary of China Nonferrous Metal Mining Group, a Chinese state-owned enterprise. While the company pledged to compensate affected communities and rehabilitate the environment in the wake of the February spill, the BBC reports that no official response has been received from the firm regarding the latest concerns.
Government officials said they have maintained ongoing oversight since the spill occurred. Green Economy Minister Mike Mposha emphasized the administration’s proactive engagement, noting that impacted communities have been compensated. Minister of Water Development Collins Nzovu added that regular testing confirms the water now meets World Health Organization standards.
Meanwhile, reactions to the U.S. embassy’s alert have been mixed. Peter Sinkamba, leader of the opposition Green Party, accused the U.S. of playing geopolitical games and questioned the timing of the alert, months after the initial spill.
“Where was the embassy when communities in Kabwe were suffering from lead poisoning linked to former Western mining companies?” he asked.
Environmental advocates, however, have taken a more urgent tone. Maggie Mapalo Mwape, Executive Director of the Centre for Environment Justice, described the pollution as a national disaster.
“This environmental crisis demands immediate and concrete action,” she said. “We must act now to protect the rights and wellbeing of Zambians and ensure such disasters are prevented in future.”
