Zambian farmers sue Chinese mining firms for $80bn over toxic dam collapse
By DL news
Published
2 min read
The incident in February unleashed millions of litres of acidic sludge into waterways, killing fish, ruining crops, and making water supplies undrinkable. Court papers say the disaster has affected around 300,000 households in the country’s...
Farmers in Zambia have taken two Chinese-linked mining companies to court, seeking $80bn (£58.5bn) in damages over what they call an “ecological catastrophe” caused by the collapse of a waste dam tied to copper production.
The incident in February unleashed millions of litres of acidic sludge into waterways, killing fish, ruining crops, and making water supplies undrinkable. Court papers say the disaster has affected around 300,000 households in the country’s Copperbelt.
In August, the US embassy raised alarm over “widespread contamination of water and soil,” issuing a health alert for the region.
The lawsuit, filed by 176 villagers on behalf of their communities, targets Sino Metals Leach Zambia and NFC Africa Mining, subsidiaries of Chinese state-owned companies.
The case was submitted to the High Court in Lusaka.
According to the claim, the dam owned by Sino Metals Leach Zambia but located on NFC Africa Mining’s concession collapsed due to engineering flaws, construction weaknesses, and operational failings.
The companies have not yet commented on the legal challenge. Sino Metals Leach Zambia previously acknowledged the spill, estimating it at 50,000 cubic metres, but insisted:
“The tailings release and breach was promptly brought under control within hours of detection.”
Farmers say they only learned days later that the water was dangerously toxic, with many reporting health problems such as chest tightness and blood in their urine. Wells were polluted, and crops had to be destroyed as they were unsafe to eat.
Their petition demands the firms deposit $80bn in a government-managed account to guarantee “environmental reparation” and “full compensation.” They also requested a $20m emergency fund for “immediate and urgent” relief, alongside health and environmental studies.
Last month, the US embassy pulled its staff out of Kitwe the Copperbelt’s main city and nearby towns, warning that mine waste might become airborne, creating a risk if inhaled.
Zambian government spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa, however, sought to calm fears, saying there were no longer “serious implications for public health” and insisting there was “no need to press the ‘panic button’ today to alarm the nation and the international community.”
