The Zambian government has moved to calm public concern over water safety following a recent mining disaster in the Copperbelt Province.
Environment Minister Mike Mposha told reporters in Lusaka on Friday that laboratory tests showed surrounding water sources remain “fit for consumption,” with pH levels within safe limits.
However, tests also revealed elevated manganese and zinc levels at four of the 23 sampling sites.
The spill was triggered by the partial collapse of a waste dam at Sino-Metals Leach, a Chinese state-owned copper mine. Official figures suggest around 50,000 tons of acidic sludge escaped. But Drizit Zambia Ltd., the environmental auditor initially appointed to investigate, warned that the scale could be far greater—estimating more than 1.5 million tons may have been released, 30 times the government’s figure.
In a June 3 letter, Drizit described the incident as a “large-scale environmental catastrophe,” warning of long-term health risks from heavy metal exposure. Minister Mposha declined to endorse the findings, saying he had not yet received an official report.
Sino-Metals has since apologized, distributed compensation to affected farmers, and paid a government fine of 1.5 million kwacha (about $65,000). The company has also cut ties with Drizit, alleging contractual breaches.
The disaster underscores the risks associated with tailings dam failures worldwide. Past incidents, such as the 2019 Vale collapse in Brazil that killed 272 people, highlight the devastating human and environmental costs.
Zambia, Africa’s second-largest copper producer, has set a target of tripling output to 3 million tons by the early 2030s—making safety and environmental oversight increasingly critical.
