Zambia Mine Spill and Environmental Impact
In February, a dam at a Chinese-owned copper mine in northern Zambia collapsed, releasing toxic by-products into a tributary connected to the Kafue River, a primary drinking water source. The Zambian government reported a spill of at least 50,000 tonnes of acidic debris into waterways and farmland. Environmentalists, however, estimated the spillage to be as high as 1.5 million tonnes, suggesting a clean-up could span over a decade.
The incident resulted in fish mortality in the Chambishi and Kitwe areas, rendered water undrinkable, and damaged crops, according to local farmers. Concerns have been raised regarding potential secondary pollution during the rainy season, with heavy metals possibly infiltrating land and waterways further. Dr. Mweene Himwiinga, a senior lecturer at Zambia's Copperbelt University, indicated that toxic metals, associated with kidney damage, cancers, and gastrointestinal issues, could be carried downstream to the capital, Lusaka. The Chinese embassy in Lusaka contested the reported scale of the damage, stating that Zambian government reports indicated pollution was contained, water acidity levels returned to normal, and ongoing checks showed no lasting public-health risks.
An employee, speaking anonymously due to concerns over job security, reported prior issues with protective gear replacement at the mine, owned by Sino-Metals Leach Zambia, a subsidiary of a Chinese state-owned firm. The mine is reported by Chinese sources to have created over 2,000 jobs.
Economic and Diplomatic Context
Chinese companies are significant investors in Africa's mineral and metals industry, particularly in Zambia's Copperbelt Province. The Chinese embassy stated that Chinese companies have created over 30,000 jobs across Zambia, with investment reaching an estimated $1.7 billion last year. Chinese Premier Li Qiang visited Zambia in the previous month.
China has faced accusations of neocolonialism, including claims of creating unmanageable debt through infrastructure loans, a preference for employing Chinese rather than local workers, and prioritizing mineral extraction over environmental safeguards.
Legal Action and Accountability
In September, 176 farmers filed an $80 billion lawsuit against Sino Metals and NFC Africa, the Chinese firm owning the land where the mine is located. This lawsuit, one of Zambia's largest environmental cases, alleges the spill affected 300,000 households and resulted from engineering failures, construction flaws, and operational mismanagement.
Professor Stephen Chan of the University of London's School of Oriental and African Studies described the lawsuit as a significant test case for holding foreign companies accountable in African territories, citing the reported extent of damage and alleged operational issues. The Chinese embassy in Zambia stated that Sino Metals has cooperated with the investigation, compensated 454 households, and maintained employment and salaries for staff during a six-month mining pause.
Analysts have suggested that the incident highlights a need for Zambia to prioritize safety, sustainability, and national interests when engaging with foreign companies. Zambia's estimated $5 billion debt to China is a factor in the bilateral relationship. However, Dr. Douty Chibamba, Permanent Secretary for Green Economy and Environment, stated that this debt does not influence the government's approach to the crisis, emphasizing that China is not receiving preferential treatment. Between 2000 and 2023, 49 African countries reportedly signed $182.3 billion in loans with Chinese lenders.
Local Impact and Government Response
Local residents, including farmers, reported difficulties growing crops and personal health issues attributed to contaminated water. Farmers Abigail Namtowe and Frederick Bwalya in Twalima village reported crop failures and Mr. Bwalya described leg pain, which doctors attributed to contaminated water. An employee who requested anonymity reported his family was advised against using local water for two weeks post-spill, until liming was applied to reduce acidity.
Sino Metals reportedly pledged to construct a borehole away from the contaminated stream on Mr. Bwalya's farm; however, this has not yet been implemented. The BBC's inquiries to Sino Metals regarding boreholes and employee safety concerns received no response.
Fifty kilometers from Twalima, schoolchildren were observed swimming in a Kafue River tributary in Kamwatimpa, despite some parental concerns about pollution. The Zambian government reported in September that samples from 21 sites across Copperbelt Province showed heavy metal concentrations within national safe limits.
The clean-up has been delayed due to issues between Sino Metals and consultants hired to assess the damage, according to Dr. Chibamba. Dr. Himwiinga warned that a failure to address the situation could have long-term catastrophic effects, potentially lasting over a decade for farmers reliant on the water, based on Copperbelt University research.
The Zambian government has instructed Sino Metals to implement secondary pollution mitigation measures, including tree planting to reduce air and soil pollution, and lime spreading to decrease acidity. Authorities reported these measures are currently being implemented. The government indicated that Sino Metals might face additional payments following a full area assessment.
Sino Metals previously pledged compensation and environmental restoration. Some affected locals reported receiving compensation ranging from $700 to $3,000. Some contracts reportedly indicated that initial payments waived rights to further compensation.
International Relations and Leverage
Professor Stephen Chan suggested that the presence of other major economic actors, such as the United States, might influence Zambia's position in negotiations with Sino Metals. Zambian copper and cobalt are in high global demand for cleaner energy technologies. Total trade between Zambia and the US was estimated at $296 million in 2024, and diplomatic ties have reportedly strengthened. Analysts suggest that Zambia's engagement with multiple international partners, including the United States, may limit China's leverage.
China has denied taking advantage of Zambia, characterizing accusations of neocolonialism as "grossly unfair." The Chinese embassy in Lusaka asserted that Chinese investors contribute capital, technology, skills training, job creation, and managerial expertise to Zambia, operating as "law-abiding and responsible players," and described China-Zambia cooperation as "win-win."