The Zambian government has dismissed warnings from the United States embassy about alleged widespread pollution in the Copperbelt mining region, insisting water and soil in the affected areas are safe.

On Wednesday, the US embassy announced it was withdrawing its personnel from Kitwe and surrounding areas, citing new information pointing to “widespread contamination of water and soil” linked to a toxic spill in February at the Sino-Metals Leach Zambia mine.

The spill occurred after heavy rains caused the collapse of a tailings dam, releasing toxic waste and heavy metals into the Kafue River, a key source of drinking water.

According to the embassy, recent findings showed “the extent of hazardous and carcinogenic substances” from the spill.

It warned that in addition to contaminated water and soil, “contaminants from the spilled mine tailings may also become airborne, posing a health threat if inhaled.”

Government spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa rejected the warning, saying tests showed “PH levels have returned to normal” and the water was safe for consumption. He added there were no longer serious threats to public health, agriculture or the environment.
“There is, therefore, absolutely no need to press the ‘panic button’ today to alarm the nation and the international community,” Mweetwa said.

Sino-Metals, a subsidiary of China Nonferrous Metal Mining Group, which is owned by the Chinese government, has not yet commented on the latest claims.

Following the February incident, the company pledged to compensate affected communities and restore the environment. The spill damaged aquatic life and affected farmers who relied on the water for irrigation.

Green Economy Minister Mike Mposha said the government had acted swiftly after the incident and was providing regular updates, adding that compensation had been paid to affected residents.

Water Development Minister Collins Nzovu said ongoing tests confirmed water met World Health Organization standards.

Opposition Green Party leader Peter Sinkamba described the US warning as politically driven. He questioned the timing of the alert and accused the US of ignoring cases of lead poisoning in central Zambia linked to Western mining companies.

Centre for Environment Justice executive director Maggie Mapalo Mwape described the pollution as a national disaster and urged the government to take “immediate and concrete action” to deal with its effects and prevent similar incidents in future.