Zambia Demands Increased Compensation from China Following Toxic Mine Spill

Sat Sep 13 2025 10:46:29 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The Zambian government is pressing for additional compensation from a Chinese-owned copper mine after a significant toxic spill contaminated a major water source, posing health risks to local communities.

Following a devastating toxic spill from a Chinese-operated copper mine, the Zambian government is seeking further compensation for affected communities. The spill, which occurred when a waste dam collapsed, released millions of tonnes of hazardous materials, heavily polluting the Kafue River, a vital drinkable water source. Vice-President Mutale Nalumango emphasizes the urgency for thorough assessments that may warrant heightened compensation. Initial assessments have shown alarming health risks from long-term exposure to toxic substances, prompting an ongoing fishing ban and environmental emergency responses in the region.

The Zambian government is determined to secure more compensation for communities affected by a toxic spill linked to a Chinese-owned copper mine. This comes after a comprehensive assessment of the environmental and health impacts of the spill.

The incident, which took place in February, involved a collapse of a waste dam from the Sino-Metals Leach Zambia copper mine, resulting in the release of highly acidic mine waste into the Kafue River, a crucial source of drinking water for many.

Sino-Metals has expressed regret for the incident and committed to compensating affected individuals, but Vice-President Mutale Nalumango described the initial compensation offer as potentially insufficient, asserting that the safety of Zambians is a priority and 'non-negotiable'.

Health warnings have been issued by various embassies advising their citizens to avoid the area due to the contamination risks.

Initially, the company reported that approximately 50,000 tonnes of waste had leaked into the waterways, but a subsequent investigation revealed that the actual figure was closer to 1.5 million tonnes. The environmental assessment highlighted the presence of toxic pollutants, including cyanide, arsenic, and lead, raising significant concerns over long-term health effects among community members.

The Zambian government has taken steps to mitigate the disaster, including imposing a fishing ban on the Kafue River and utilizing air force capabilities to reduce acidity levels in affected areas.

Despite Sino-Metals disputing the findings, the government remains vigilant in its pursuit of a fair and comprehensive compensation agreement. Vice-President Nalumango stated that failure to adequately address the environmental damage and community health concerns could result in a demand for additional compensation.

As reports of health issues among the affected community persist, the government faces scrutiny to ensure that the responses are swift and just, especially as the nation heavily relies on its mining sector for economic stability.

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