In a recent statement, the Zambian administration refuted allegations made by the US embassy concerning severe pollution in the Copperbelt mining district, particularly in relation to a toxic spill that occurred at the Sino-Metals mine in February. The US embassy had issued a health alert advising the withdrawal of personnel from Kitwe and adjacent locations over fears of "widespread contamination of water and soil" stemming from the collapse of a tailings dam. This dam failure, exacerbated by heavy rainfall, released hazardous materials into the Kafue River, a vital drinking water source.
Zambia Rejects US Health Alarm Following Toxic Spill Controversy
Zambia Rejects US Health Alarm Following Toxic Spill Controversy
The Zambian government stands firm against US health claims regarding a toxic spill in the Copperbelt region.
The embassy expressed concerns about contaminated air particles and carcinogenic substances potentially endangering health. However, Zambian government spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa dismissed these statements, asserting that laboratory results indicate a return to normal pH levels in the affected area, deeming the water safe for consumption. Mweetwa emphasized that there is no cause for alarm, asserting a commitment to public health and safety.
Sino-Metals Leach Zambia, a subsidiary of China Nonferrous Metal Mining Group, was responsible for the spill and had promised to restore the environment and compensate affected communities. The spill not only impacted water quality but also disrupted agricultural activities reliant on the Kafue River.
Zambia’s Green Economy Minister Mike Mposha reported ongoing updates to the public regarding the environmental situation, alongside assurances that testing results consistently meet World Health Organization standards. Opposition Green Party leader Peter Sinkamba suggested that the US embassy's delayed alert is interlinked with geopolitical interests, questioning its prior silence on other instances of mining-related pollution in Zambia.
Meanwhile, environmental advocates like Centre for Environment Justice’s executive director Maggie Mapalo Mwape described the situation as a national disaster requiring immediate action to protect the rights and health of Zambian citizens.
Sino-Metals Leach Zambia, a subsidiary of China Nonferrous Metal Mining Group, was responsible for the spill and had promised to restore the environment and compensate affected communities. The spill not only impacted water quality but also disrupted agricultural activities reliant on the Kafue River.
Zambia’s Green Economy Minister Mike Mposha reported ongoing updates to the public regarding the environmental situation, alongside assurances that testing results consistently meet World Health Organization standards. Opposition Green Party leader Peter Sinkamba suggested that the US embassy's delayed alert is interlinked with geopolitical interests, questioning its prior silence on other instances of mining-related pollution in Zambia.
Meanwhile, environmental advocates like Centre for Environment Justice’s executive director Maggie Mapalo Mwape described the situation as a national disaster requiring immediate action to protect the rights and health of Zambian citizens.
