Zambia Rejects US Claims of Dangerous Pollution in Copperbelt Mining Region

The Zambian government has dismissed claims by the US embassy warning of dangerous pollution in the Copperbelt region following a toxic spill at the Sino-Metals Leach Zambia mine earlier this year.

The US embassy issued a health alert on Wednesday, citing “widespread contamination of water and soil” in Kitwe and surrounding areas. The alert follows a February tailings dam collapse at the Chinese-owned mine, which released hazardous waste into the Kafue River—a major source of drinking water.

The embassy cited new evidence of hazardous and carcinogenic substances in the environment and ordered the withdrawal of its personnel from affected areas.

In response, government spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa rejected the alert, saying lab tests show that pH levels have returned to normal and the water is now safe for consumption. He urged the public and international community not to “press the panic button.”

Environmental activists and opposition leaders are divided.

Peter Sinkamba, leader of the Green Party, called the alert “geopolitical”, questioning the delayed response and accusing the US of hypocrisy. Maggie Mapalo Mwape, from the Centre for Environment Justice, called the pollution a national disaster requiring urgent action.

The mine, a subsidiary of China Nonferrous Metal Mining Group, had previously pledged compensation after the spill. The BBC is still awaiting comment from Sino-Metals.