Farmers in Zambia have filed a record-breaking $80bn (£58.5bn) lawsuit against two Chinese-linked mining companies. They accuse the firms of causing one of the country’s worst environmental disasters.
The case is in the High Court in Lusaka. It names Sino Metals Leach Zambia and NFC Africa Mining, both subsidiaries of Chinese state-owned companies. Farmers say a tailings dam collapsed in February and released millions of litres of acidic copper waste into rivers and farmland.
The spill polluted drinking water, killed fish, and destroyed crops across the Copperbelt region. Court papers estimate that around 300,000 households have been affected.
A group of 176 farmers filed the lawsuit on behalf of their communities. They blame poor engineering, weak construction, and mismanagement for the collapse.
Villagers say they learned the water was toxic only days after the disaster. By then, farms and wells had already been contaminated. Many people reported illnesses such as chest tightness and blood in urine. Farmers also burned crops after officials declared them unsafe.
The petitioners demand that the companies deposit $80bn into a government-controlled account for compensation and environmental repair. They also call for a $20m emergency fund to provide immediate help and independent health checks.
Sino Metals Leach Zambia admitted a spill of about 50,000 cubic metres. It claimed, however, that staff contained the leak within hours. NFC Africa Mining has not yet commented.
The disaster has drawn global attention. In August, the US embassy issued a health alert. It warned of “widespread contamination of water and soil.” Soon after, it withdrew staff from Kitwe, the Copperbelt’s largest city, over fears that toxic waste could spread through the air.
The Zambian government tried to reassure the public. Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa said there was “no need to press the panic button.” He insisted the health risks had eased.
This lawsuit could become the largest environmental case in Zambia’s history. Its outcome may set a precedent for environmental accountability in Africa’s mining sector, where foreign investment is vital but often leaves local communities at risk.
