Zambia Refutes US Health Concerns Over Toxic Mining Spill

Government spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa insists water quality has returned to safe levels after a spill linked to toxic mining waste.

The Zambian government has rebuffed health warning claims from the US embassy regarding pollution from a toxic spill in the Copperbelt region's mining sector. The embassy issued a health alert on Wednesday, advising the evacuation of its personnel from Kitwe and nearby locations due to alleged "widespread contamination of water and soil" from a February incident at Sino-Metals mine. This spill occurred when a tailings dam collapsed into the Kafue River, a vital water source, following heavy rainfall. The US embassy cited new findings indicating the presence of hazardous and potentially carcinogenic substances in the aftermath of the spill. It also cautioned that airborne contaminants could pose inhalation risks.

Responding to the concerns, Cornelius Mweetwa, the government spokesman, stated that laboratory tests indicated the area's pH levels had normalized and affirmed that the water was safe for consumption. Mweetwa dismissed fears of significant health implications, advocating against causing public panic. Sino-Metals, a subsidiary of China Nonferrous Metal Mining Group, had previously committed to compensating affected communities and addressing environmental damages caused by the spill.

Green Economy Minister Mike Mposha mentioned that the government has been proactive since the incident, ensuring that the public remains informed and that affected communities receive compensation. In line with government assurances, Minister of Water Development Collins Nzovu confirmed ongoing water testing, stating it complied with World Health Organization standards.

Opposition Green Party leader Peter Sinkamba suggested the US embassy's health alert was politically motivated, questioning the delay in alerting the public while highlighting historical lead poisoning issues connected to Western mining interests in Zambia. Maggie Mapalo Mwape, executive director of the Centre for Environment Justice, labeled the spill a national disaster requiring urgent action to alleviate its effects and prevent future occurrences. She called for decisive measures to safeguard the health and rights of Zambian citizens amid the ongoing environmental distress.