Zambia dismisses US health warning after toxic spill in copper mining area

August 7, 2025

The Zambian government has rejected US embassy claims of dangerous pollution in the Copperbelt mining region following a February tailings dam collapse at the Sino-Metals mine. US officials ordered their personnel to leave Kitwe and surrounding areas, citing "widespread contamination" with hazardous and carcinogenic substances in water, soil, and potentially air. Zambian officials countered that laboratory tests show water safety has returned to normal levels, with government spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa stating there are no serious public health implications and no need for alarm.

Who is affected

US embassy personnel in Kitwe and nearby areas
Local communities in the Copperbelt mining region
Farmers who use water from the Kafue River for irrigation
Aquatic life in the Kafue River
Residents who rely on the Kafue River as a drinking water source

What action is being taken

The US embassy is withdrawing its personnel from Kitwe and surrounding areas
The Zambian government is conducting laboratory tests on water quality
The government is providing updates to the public about the situation
Affected communities are being compensated
The government is continuously testing the water to ensure it meets World Health Organization standards

Why it matters

The Kafue River is a key drinking water source for local populations
The spill released toxic waste and heavy metals that could pose serious health threats
The situation has become a point of diplomatic tension between the US and Zambia
The incident highlights environmental and public health concerns in mining regions
There are questions about corporate responsibility and government oversight in mining operations

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC