By Mwatita Lubinga, with support from TI-Z
Communities in Zambia are facing severe health and livelihood risks from mining pollution, yet efforts to hold companies accountable are frequently obstructed by political interference and systemic weaknesses in the justice system. From poisoned water and damaged crops to prolonged exposure to toxic substances, affected residents struggle to secure compensation or justice.
In Kalulushi District, Copperbelt, residents near Sino Metals and Rongzhing Mining are still grappling with the fallout from an acid spill in February 2025 that polluted the Mwambashi and Luela streams as well as the Kafue River. Farmers say the contamination damaged their gardens and rendered soil infertile.
“We have been unable to plant any crops in our gardens because the soil was damaged, affecting our livelihoods. We used the produce to feed our families and take our children to school,” said Dorica Mwansa, a local farmer in Wazanga.”
Although the government announced a compensation package of K16.2 million for about 700 affected individuals, some farmers received as little as K400. Mwansa and others have questioned the lack of transparency in how compensation was calculated, noting that there have been no meaningful follow-up consultations since a meeting with Copperbelt Minister Elisha Matambo.
Another farmer, Mr. Mwansa Chilufya, said:
“Government decided to include us on the list of affected farmers, stating that compensation would cover crop damage, land displacement, and land measurement. However, the K16.2 million payout was imposed without consultation.”
The Zambia Environmental Justice Coalition—a collective of over 30 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and environmental activists—has also raised concern that the compensation forms included legal waivers, effectively releasing Sino Metals from future liability, a move they describe as deeply unjust.
A similar crisis is affecting former workers of Southern Africa Ferro Alloys Limited (SAFAL), who developed serious health complications after prolonged exposure to manganese. Many initially sought legal redress, but most allegedly withdrew their claims under pressure from company management.
Environmental lawyer Mehluli Malisa Batakathi explained:
“Whenever civil society organisations or lawyers try to help affected communities, local authorities, including area MPs and ministers, often interfere, discouraging people from cooperating or seeking justice.”
Environmental expert Conrad Hakapya called for a specialised environmental court to handle such violations more effectively, saying current penalties are too lenient:
“The current system does not inspire accountability. A dedicated environmental court would help ensure violators are properly punished and victims adequately compensated.”
Meanwhile, Minister of Green Economy and Environment Mike Mposha said:
“Any breach of the law will cost them a lot of money. Government will ensure that all environmental cases, whether in court or outside, are concluded and that mining investors comply with environmental laws.”
As these cases show, Zambia’s environmental justice system struggles to protect communities from the harmful effects of mining pollution. Residents continue to face health risks, loss of livelihoods, and uncertain compensation. Political interference, weak enforcement, and poor transparency exacerbate the problem, leaving communities vulnerable to both environmental and economic harm. Without systemic reforms such as stricter enforcement, independent oversight, and possibly a dedicated environmental court, victims will continue to struggle to pursue justice.
Credits
This story was produced by Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z) under the Climate Governance Integrity Programme, implemented through the Transparency International Secretariat with support from the Waverly Street Foundation.
Authors:
Mwatita Lubinga (Cloud FM Reporter)
Zanji Valerie Sinkala (TI-Z Communications Officer / Investigative Journalist)
Acknowledgements:
Raymond Mutale (TI-Z Head of Programmes)
Sandie Sikazwe (TI-Z Environmental Governance Officer)
Tamika Halwiindi (TI-Z Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Coordinator)
Bright Chizonde (Advocacy, Policy and Research Manager)
