Chinese Mining Company Faces Allegations Over Toxic Spill in Zambia

A major toxic spill at a mining site near Kitwe, Zambia, has led to serious allegations against the Chinese company Sino-Metals Leach Zambia. An environmental cleanup firm, Drizit, claims its investigation revealed that the spill released approximately 1.5 million tons of toxic material, significantly higher than the 30,000 tons that Sino-Metals initially disclosed.

The incident, which occurred on February 18, 2023, has raised alarms due to its impact on local communities and ecosystems. The spill contaminated waterways connected to the Kafue River, affecting the drinking water supply for over half of Zambia’s 21 million residents and leading to the death of fish over 100 kilometers downstream.

Investigation Findings and Company Response

Drizit, based in South Africa, conducted a two-month investigation and reported alarming findings. They stated that over 3,500 samples were taken from the affected area, revealing hazardous levels of pollutants such as cyanide, arsenic, copper, and lead. These substances pose significant long-term health risks, including organ damage and cancer.

Despite Drizit’s alarming findings, Sino-Metals disputed the accuracy of the report and terminated Drizit’s contract just one day before the final report was due. The company claimed this was due to “contractual breaches” by Drizit. In a statement provided to The Associated Press, Sino-Metals expressed their commitment to assisting with the cleanup.

In response to the crisis, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has called for expert assistance. The government has deployed the air force and speedboats to distribute lime into the river to mitigate the effects of the acid waste. Officials later reported that the situation was under control and that water quality was improving, indicating no immediate cause for alarm.

Ongoing Environmental Concerns

Despite the government’s assurances, Drizit maintains that the environmental damage is extensive and that a thorough cleanup operation is necessary to protect public health in the long term. They estimate that 900,000 cubic meters of toxic substances remain in the environment, which could pose risks for decades if not properly addressed.

The full details of Drizit’s report have not been made public, but the implications of the toxic spill underscore the potential dangers associated with mining operations in Zambia. The situation highlights broader concerns regarding environmental management and corporate accountability within the mining sector, particularly when foreign entities are involved.

As investigations continue, the fallout from this incident raises significant questions about the responsibilities of multinational companies in safeguarding environmental and public health, especially in regions where local communities rely heavily on natural resources for their survival.