Zambia Lead Poisoning: South Africa Firm Under Scrutiny
Summary of Human Rights Watch Report: Lead Poisoning Risk in Kabwe, Zambia
This Human Rights Watch report details concerning evidence that a toxic lead-contaminated waste material from a former mine in Kabwe, Zambia is being sold and processed, possibly exacerbating a severe public health crisis. Here’s a breakdown of the key findings:
The Problem:
Extreme Lead Poisoning: Children in Kabwe are suffering from alarmingly high levels of lead poisoning,with over 95% having elevated blood lead levels and half needing urgent medical treatment. Lead exposure causes severe health problems, especially in children, including intellectual disability and even death. Toxic Waste: Waste material from the former mine contains highly toxic lead, confirmed by geological studies.
The Allegations & Evidence:
Jubilee Metals Denies sale, But evidence Suggests Or else: Jubilee Metals, which holds the concession for the mine waste, initially denied selling the waste.
Contractual Evidence: Human Rights Watch obtained a contract addendum (dated February 15, 2025) between Jubilee’s EPL, Chitofu General Dealers Limited (Zambian), and Union Star Industry Limited (Chinese). This addendum details Chitofu buying “zinc tailings” from EPL, with Union Star Industry as the purchaser.
Omission of Toxicity: The contract addendum does not mention the lead content and toxicity of the tailings.
Processing Plant & Licenses: Union Star Industry operates a processing plant near the mine and holds a license to process zinc,lead,and copper.Chitofu is registered for mining and construction activities.
Recent Waste Removal: Local residents report seeing trucks with “Chitofu” signs removing waste from the EPL concession as recently as late july.
Political Connections & Potential Conflict:
Chitofu’s Links to Ruling Party: Chitofu’s owners, Wisdom Lweendo and Godfrey Shibalwa, have strong ties to Zambia’s ruling United Party for National Progress (UPND). Lweendo coordinated a presidential campaign for the UPND, and Shibalwa ran for mayor under the UPND banner.
Political Clashes: A newspaper report details clashes between UPND “cadres” (youth supporters) over the tailings at “Black Mountain,” with an arrest made for assault. This suggests potential competition and conflict over control of the waste material.
lack of Openness & Response:
Limited Response: Human Rights Watch received a response only from Jubilee Metals, which stated Chitofu was established in collaboration with Central Province authorities. Missing Original Contract: Human Rights watch does not have a copy of the original contract between EPL and Chitofu.
No Environmental Impact Assessments: the report highlights a lack of transparency regarding environmental impact assessments.
In essence, the report alleges a potentially risky situation where toxic mine waste is being commercially exploited, with insufficient regard for the devastating health consequences for the local population, and potentially fueled by political connections.