Zambia Demands Increased Compensation from China Following Toxic Mine Spill

Sat Sep 13 2025 09:57:05 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The Zambian government is intensifying its efforts to secure further compensation for communities impacted by a toxic spill from a Chinese-owned copper mine, as concerns over environmental and health risks grow.

Following a significant toxic spill from the Sino-Metals Leach Zambia copper mine, the Zambian government is pressing for additional compensation to address the health and environmental impact on affected communities. The spill, caused by the collapse of a waste dam, released 1.5 million tonnes of hazardous materials, leading to critical health advisories and a fishing ban on the Kafue River. Despite an apology from the mining company and initial compensation, Vice-President Mutale Nalumango indicated that further assessments could warrant additional payments. The government is also taking steps to mitigate the environmental damage.

Zambia's government is seeking more compensation for communities affected by a toxic spill from a Chinese-owned copper mine. The toxic release occurred in February when a dam at the Sino-Metals Leach Zambia copper mine collapsed, contaminating a key river that supplies drinking water.

The firm has expressed regret and committed to compensating the victims. However, Zambia's Vice-President Mutale Nalumango emphasized that compensation may not be sufficient, declaring that the safety of citizens is 'non-negotiable.'

Health warnings have been issued by various embassies advising their citizens to stay away from the affected area due to health risks from pollution.

Initially, the company reported that 50,000 tonnes of waste material were spilled, but an investigation revealed the actual figure was 1.5 million tonnes. Dangerous levels of pollutants, including heavy metals, were found, posing long-term health risks. The mining company disputes the findings but has terminated its contract with the investigating firm over alleged breaches.

Human Rights Watch reported that local livelihoods have been devastated, with the spill killing fish, damaging crops, and leading to health complaints among residents. Authorities have subsequently imposed a fishing ban on the Kafue River.

Zambia, a leading producer of copper globally, considers the issue critically as its economy heavily relies on mining output.