African nations facing toxic spill as a test of their stance against China

Even before the disaster, Lamec felt uneasy about his safety at the copper mine. "If our protective gear breaks, it isnt always replaced," he says. "We have to take the risk and reuse it." He spoke to the BBC from a car on a quiet northern Zambian road, asking not to reveal his real name for fear of losing his job.

In February, Lamec discovered that one of the dams at the Chinese-owned mine had failed. The tailings dam, which stores toxic by-products of copper extraction including heavy metals like arsenic, mercury, and lead, collapsed into a tributary of the Kafue River, a vital source of drinking water. Government reports indicate at least 50,000 tonnes of acidic waste entered the waterways and farmland, while some experts estimate the spill could have been as high as 1.5 million tonnes, with a full cleanup potentially taking over a decade.

The spill has devastated fish populations around Chambishi and Kitwe, contaminated water supplies, and ruined crops, according to local farmers. With the rainy season beginning, concerns rise that remaining heavy metals in the soil may spread further, potentially affecting Lusaka. Toxic metals can lead to kidney damage, cancers, and gastrointestinal issues, warns Dr. Mweene Himwiinga, senior lecturer at Copperbelt University.

The Chinese embassy in Lusaka has questioned the reported scale of the damage and welcomed an independent investigation. According to the embassy, pollution is localized, water acidity levels have normalized, and no long-term health risks have been identified.

Lamec, along with the rest of Zambia, faces a dilemma. The mine is operated by Sino-Metals Leach Zambia, a subsidiary of a Chinese state-owned firm that has created over 2,000 jobs. Chinese investment in Africa, particularly in Zambias Copperbelt Province, remains significant. More than 30,000 jobs across Zambia are linked to Chinese companies, with last years investment estimated at $1.7 billion. Chinese Premier Li Qiang visited Zambia recently ahead of the G20 Summit in South Africa.

Critics accuse China of neocolonial practices, arguing that its infrastructure loans burden African nations with debt, prioritize Chinese workers over locals, and often neglect environmental safeguards. In September, 176 farmers filed an $80 billion lawsuit against Sino Metals and NFC Africa, claiming the dam collapse impacted 300,000 households due to engineering, construction, and operational failures. Experts say this case may set a precedent for holding foreign companies accountable in Africa.

The Chinese embassy states that Sino Metals cooperated fully with the investigation, provided compensation to 454 households, and maintained employment for staff despite a six-month mining halt. Analysts argue the incident underscores the need for Zambia to enforce safety, sustainability, and national interest when engaging with Chinese firms, especially given the countrys estimated $5 billion debt to China. Dr. Douty Chibamba, Permanent Secretary for Green Economy and Environment, insists that Zambias government can act independently of this debt.

Lamec shares the personal toll of the spill, saying his family could not use local water for two weeks until it was treated with lime. He now feels conflicted about continuing to work at the mine, which remains a crucial source of income in a region where copper mining forms the backbone of the economy. Copper accounts for 70% of Zambias exports and 15% of GDP, with production expected to more than triple by 2031.

Farmers in Twalima, including Abigail Namtowe and Frederick Bwalya, report severe difficulties. Crops fail due to contaminated soil, and children face malnutrition. Mr. Bwalya experiences leg pain potentially linked to polluted water. While Sino Metals promised to install a borehole for safe water, this has yet to occur, and fish populations in the streams have vanished.

Government tests indicate heavy metal concentrations are within safe limits, but ongoing rainy season raises the risk of a second wave of pollution. Cleanup efforts have been slowed by disputes between consultants and Sino Metals. Dr. Himwiinga warns that without intervention, contamination could persist for over a decade, affecting farmers and communities dependent on the water. Authorities have instructed Sino Metals to implement mitigation measures such as lime treatment and tree planting to reduce soil and air pollution.

Compensation to affected locals has ranged from $700 to $3,000, though some agreements may prevent further claims. Analysts note that Zambias engagement with multiple global powers, including the United States, may increase leverage in negotiations with Chinese firms. Demand for copper and cobalt, critical for green energy and electric vehicles, strengthens Zambias strategic position.

China denies exploiting Zambia and rejects claims of neocolonialism, emphasizing the benefits of investment including capital, technology, skills training, job creation, and managerial expertise. The Chinese embassy stresses that cooperation with Zambia and Africa should be seen as mutually beneficial, not as domination.

Author: Sophia Brooks