By comfort Asemota
Even before the dam collapse, Lamec did not feel safe working at the copper mine.
“If our work protective gear gets damaged, it is not always replaced. We have to take a risk and use it again,” he said, speaking privately for fear that speaking publicly could jeopardize his job.
In February, Lamec discovered that one of the tailings dams at the Chinese-owned mine had collapsed. The dam, which stored toxic by-products from copper mining—including heavy metals like arsenic, mercury, and lead—spilled into a tributary connected to the Kafue River, Zambia’s longest river and a major source of drinking water.
Environmental and Health Impact
The government reported that at least 50,000 tonnes of acidic debris were released into waterways and farmland, though environmentalists estimate the spill could have been as high as 1.5 million tonnes. The disaster has killed fish, contaminated water, and destroyed crops in nearby towns, including Chambishi and Kitwe. Experts warn that with the rainy season underway, heavy metals could further infiltrate soil and waterways, posing long-term risks such as kidney damage, cancers, and gastrointestinal illnesses.
The Chinese embassy in Lusaka has disputed the scale of the damage, emphasizing that ongoing monitoring shows no lasting public health risks and welcoming the establishment of an independent investigation.
Economic and Political Tensions
The mine is operated by Sino-Metals Leach Zambia, a subsidiary of a Chinese state-owned company, which has created over 2,000 jobs. Chinese companies remain major investors in Africa’s minerals and metals sector, particularly in Zambia’s Copperbelt Province, which produces a significant portion of the country’s copper exports. Investment from China in Zambia was estimated at $1.7 billion last year, with more than 30,000 jobs created across the country by Chinese firms.
Despite the economic benefits, critics argue that Chinese companies often prioritize mineral extraction over environmental safety, employ their own workers rather than upskilling locals, and have contributed to a perception of neocolonialism.
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. The farmers claim the spill has affected 300,000 households and was caused by engineering flaws, construction issues, and operational mismanagement. Analysts view the lawsuit as a test case for whether African nations can hold Chinese companies accountable.
Authorities report that compensation has been paid to some affected households, ranging from $700 to $3,000, though some residents signed away claims to further compensation. Meanwhile, the Zambian government is working with Sino Metals to implement measures to prevent a second wave of pollution, including planting trees and spreading lime to reduce soil acidity.
Human Impact
Residents in affected villages continue to struggle. Farmers report that the contaminated waterways have made it nearly impossible to grow crops, leading to food insecurity and malnutrition. Lamec, despite relying on the mine for his livelihood, says he feels conflicted about working there due to safety concerns and the environmental damage.
The spill has also affected schools and communities downstream. Children are warned not to swim in tributaries of the Kafue River, and locals report persistent health issues potentially linked to contaminated water.
The incident highlights the complex dynamics between Zambia and China. While Zambia owes an estimated $5 billion to China, government officials insist that debt does not prevent them from holding companies accountable. Zambia is also engaging with other global powers, including the United States, which has increased economic and diplomatic ties with the country.
Experts argue that Zambia’s response reflects a broader trend of African countries balancing relationships with multiple international partners to protect national interests, ensure environmental safety, and prioritize citizen welfare.
The clean-up of the contaminated areas is ongoing, but experts warn that remediation could take over a decade if heavy metals are not properly addressed. Government oversight and company cooperation will be critical to preventing further ecological and public health crises.
The incident underscores the urgent need for African governments to enforce strict environmental and safety standards while engaging with foreign investors, particularly in resource extraction sectors, to safeguard both people and the environment.
