Government Declares Water Safety Restored After Toxic Sino Metals Spill

The government says pH levels normalised six months after 50 million litres of acid waste contaminated the Kafue River.

Authorities have declared that water safety has been restored and pH levels have returned to normal, six months after a catastrophic toxic spill from a Chinese-owned copper mine contaminated the country's vital Kafue River system.

Information and Media Minister Cornelius Mweetwa announced at a press briefing that extensive testing shows "no immediate danger to human, animal and plant life" following the February disaster at the Sino-Metals Leach Zambia facility.

The February 18 incident saw approximately 50 million litres of acidic and highly toxic waste released into the Kafue River ecosystem when a tailings dam collapsed at the Chinese corporation-owned copper mine. 

Minister Mweetwa commended all parties involved for their "robust and vigorous response". The spill poisoned fish and crocodiles, devastated farmland, and contaminated critical water sources affecting over 700,000 residents in Kitwe and nearby towns.

The government deployed comprehensive monitoring systems, with around 200 sediment samples analysed. According to Mweetwa, all results that have been returned show clear readings, while some samples remain under "more vigorous testing by an independent organisation."

Alternative water supplies were activated immediately after the spill, and authorities report that no major medical complications or deaths have been recorded in connection with the incident.

The Chinese-owned Sino-Metals Leach Zambia, a subsidiary of China state-owned China Nonferrous Metals Industry Group, has been fined and since paid 1.5 million kwacha and has offered compensation packages to affected communities.

Government spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa confirmed that Sino-Metals Leach Zambia will bear the full cost of cleanup operations, while the company's chairman Zhang Peiwen issued a public apology, calling the spill a "wake-up call" for the industry.

The disaster has prompted broader reforms across the nation’s mining sector. The government has given other mining companies until December 2025 to ensure their safety measures are in place, with Mweetwa stating that authorities "remain adamant to hold those responsible."

Less than two weeks after the spill, three government ministers conducted a surprise visit to another Chinese-owned mine 11 kilometres away, highlighting increased scrutiny of foreign-operated mining facilities.

Despite the positive water quality assessments, the government continues monitoring minerals and soil to track environmental recovery progress. The Kafue River serves as a critical water source for millions of people and supports the country's hydroelectric power generation.

"I wish to commend all ministries involved," Mweetwa said, adding: "I thank the affected for their patience - we understand your pain and we will continue to support you until this is solved."

The minister emphasised the government's environmental commitment: "Your government remains firm to protect the environment for future generations."