Human Rights Watch (HRW) has warned a potential health disaster in Zambia’s Kabwe area amid allegations that toxic lead waste from a disused mine is being traded and transported by a South African-owned company.
The watchdog said Enviro Processing Limited (EPL), a subsidiary of South Africa’s Jubilee Metals Group, is supplying lead-bearing waste from the former Kabwe mine – one of the world’s most contaminated sites – to local and international partners for zinc extraction.
“The South African company Jubilee Metals, alongside Zambian and Chinese counterparts, are selling lead-bearing waste in a manner posing a serious risk to children’s health,” HRW associate children’s rights director Juliane Kippenberg said on Thursday.
“The Zambian government needs to fully enforce its environmental and mining laws and protect people’s right to a healthy environment.”
The rights group cited a contract addendum dated February 2025 between EPL, Zambian firm Chitofu General Dealers and Chinese company Union Star Industry, which outlines the sale of “zinc tailings” from the EPL concession.
Kippenberg said the contract addendum did not disclose the presence of lead despite geological studies confirming its toxicity.
Local observers reported trucks marked “Chitofu” removing waste from the site as recently as July.
Chitofu’s owners are allegedly linked to Zambia’s ruling United Party for National Development (UPND), raising concerns about political patronage.
In May, rival UPND factions reportedly clashed at the site over control of the tailings.
Despite suspending operations of four Chinese processing firms in Kabwe for environmental violations, the government has not taken similar action against EPL, Chitofu or Union Star Industry.
HRW warned that this selective enforcement undermines public trust and accountability.
“The government should also suspend operations for the removal of lead waste from the EPL concession, investigate the links between Chitofu and political party leaders, and ensure that anyone involved in wrongdoing is held accountable, regardless of their political affiliation.”
Kabwe’s contamination stems from a lead and zinc mine established during the colonial era and closed in 1994 without cleanup.
The waste, known as “Black Mountain,” has long been linked to mass lead poisoning, particularly among children.
Researchers estimate that over 95 percent of children living near the site have elevated blood lead levels, with half requiring urgent medical treatment.
JN/APA