Summary
Zambia is seeking more compensation from a Chinese-owned copper mine after a toxic spill earlier in the year. The spill, involving harmful metals, polluted a major river and affected local communities. The company responsible has disputed findings of the spill's extent, but Zambia insists on a thorough assessment to ensure proper compensation.
Key Facts
- Zambia wants more compensation from Sino-Metals Leach Zambia after a toxic spill that happened in February.
- The spill occurred when a dam holding mine waste collapsed, polluting the Kafue River.
- The spill released harmful metals like cyanide, arsenic, and lead into the river, which is a key drinking water source.
- A South African company found the spill involved about 1.5 million tonnes of toxic waste.
- The World Health Organization's safety levels for metals were exceeded in water samples after the spill.
- The Finnish government and the U.S. embassy issued health alerts due to the contamination.
- Zambia's Vice-President emphasized compensation should be based on a detailed impact assessment.
- Local communities report ongoing health issues and have not all received promised compensation.
