In the wake of a toxic spill at a Zambian mine, local residents are demanding $420 million (K9.98 trillion) in compensation from Chinese state-owned Sino Metals Leach Zambia, according to Bloomberg.
The spill, which occurred in February, reportedly released highly acidic waste containing toxic heavy metals, potentially making it one of the most severe mining disasters globally.
Two legal firms, Malisa & Partners Legal Practitioners and Malambo & Co., have sent letters of demand to Sino Metals on behalf of affected communities. Malisa & Partners is seeking $220 million to facilitate the relocation of 47 households in the Kalusale community near the contaminated site, as well as cover medical testing and treatment costs. Malambo & Co. is requesting $200 million to establish an emergency fund for clients.
Both the US and Chinese governments have issued statements on the incident. While the Chinese Foreign Ministry acknowledged Sino Metals’ cooperation with Zambian authorities, the Zambian government initially downplayed the risks.
An environmental assessment by Drizit Environmental, commissioned by Sino Metals, estimated that up to 1.5 million tonnes of waste were released. However, Sino Metals terminated Drizit’s contract, citing a breach and disputing the assessment methodology. Drizit maintains that roughly 900,000 m³ of toxic tailings remain in the environment, containing hazardous substances with significant health risks.
“These materials contain dangerous levels of cyanide, arsenic, copper, zinc, lead, chromium, cadmium, and other pollutants, posing long-term health risks including organ damage, birth defects, and cancer,” Drizit stated. Embassies have warned citizens to avoid the area.
The Zambian government, after initially downplaying the situation, has confirmed high levels of heavy metals in water samples, but has yet to respond to the latest compensation demands.
