Kabwe, the African city where children carry the burden of lead poisoning
Summary
Kabwe, a city in Zambia, has very high levels of lead pollution due to many years of mining lead and zinc. This pollution is harming children, many of whom have dangerous levels of lead in their blood, and a large group of affected people is suing the mining company Anglo American South Africa Limited.Key Facts
- Kabwe is about 150 kilometers north of Zambia’s capital, Lusaka.
- The city has been polluted for decades because of lead and zinc mining.
- Over 95% of children in some parts of Kabwe have lead levels in their blood above the World Health Organization’s safe limit.
- Lead poisoning can cause serious health problems, including intellectual and physical disabilities.
- Approximately 140,000 women and children affected by lead poisoning are part of a class action lawsuit.
- The lawsuit is filed against Anglo American South Africa Limited, the mining company.
- The lawsuit is being heard at the Johannesburg High Court in South Africa.
- A decision on the lawsuit is expected later in 2026.
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