Zambia has officially dismissed a health alert issued by the US embassy regarding contamination in the country's Copperbelt mining area, following a toxic spill incident earlier this year. On Wednesday, the US embassy escalated concerns, advising the immediate withdrawal of personnel from Kitwe and surrounding regions due to reports of "widespread contamination of water and soil" resulting from a February spill at Sino-Metals Mine. The spill occurred when a tailings dam, which contains toxic waste, collapsed into the Kafue River, a primary drinking water source, amid heavy rainfall.
The embassy's alert pointed to new findings about "the extent of hazardous and carcinogenic substances" present in the area, warning that not only may water and soil be contaminated, but airborne toxins could pose additional health risks. In response, Zambia's government spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa defended the safety of the area, asserting that laboratory tests indicate that pH levels have normalized and the water remains safe for consumption. Mweetwa emphasized there is no need for alarm, stating that public health, agricultural, and environmental concerns have been resolved.
The Sino-Metals Leach Zambia mine, which is operated by the state-owned China Nonferrous Metal Mining Group, had previously promised support to the affected communities and restoration of the environment. The spillage had detrimental effects on local aquatic life and agriculture, with farmers who depend on the Kafue River for irrigation being particularly impacted.
Green Economy Minister Mike Mposha reassured the public of the government’s proactive response since the spill, noting that affected communities have received compensation. Minister of Water Development Collins Nzovu highlighted the ongoing water testing program to ensure it aligns with World Health Organization standards.
Opposition leader Peter Sinkamba condemned the timing of the US embassy's alert, suggesting it reflects geopolitical tensions rather than genuine concern for safety, and criticized the embassy for its silence over persistent lead poisoning issues linked to foreign mining operations in the region.
The Centre for Environment Justice, through its executive director Maggie Mapalo Mwape, called the situation a national disaster requiring urgent measures to protect citizens and address environmental issues raised by mining activities in the region.
The embassy's alert pointed to new findings about "the extent of hazardous and carcinogenic substances" present in the area, warning that not only may water and soil be contaminated, but airborne toxins could pose additional health risks. In response, Zambia's government spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa defended the safety of the area, asserting that laboratory tests indicate that pH levels have normalized and the water remains safe for consumption. Mweetwa emphasized there is no need for alarm, stating that public health, agricultural, and environmental concerns have been resolved.
The Sino-Metals Leach Zambia mine, which is operated by the state-owned China Nonferrous Metal Mining Group, had previously promised support to the affected communities and restoration of the environment. The spillage had detrimental effects on local aquatic life and agriculture, with farmers who depend on the Kafue River for irrigation being particularly impacted.
Green Economy Minister Mike Mposha reassured the public of the government’s proactive response since the spill, noting that affected communities have received compensation. Minister of Water Development Collins Nzovu highlighted the ongoing water testing program to ensure it aligns with World Health Organization standards.
Opposition leader Peter Sinkamba condemned the timing of the US embassy's alert, suggesting it reflects geopolitical tensions rather than genuine concern for safety, and criticized the embassy for its silence over persistent lead poisoning issues linked to foreign mining operations in the region.
The Centre for Environment Justice, through its executive director Maggie Mapalo Mwape, called the situation a national disaster requiring urgent measures to protect citizens and address environmental issues raised by mining activities in the region.
