Mining in toxic lead waste poisoning children in Zambia

Human Rights Watch report raises alarm over severe lead contamination in Kabwe affecting children

LUSAKA, Zambia (MNTV) — A new report from Human Rights Watch (HRW) has revealed the devastating impact of lead poisoning on children in Kabwe, Zambia, as toxic waste from a former mine continues to threaten public health. 

The 67-page HRW report, “Poisonous Profit: Lead Waste Mining and Children’s Right to a Healthy Environment in Kabwe, Zambia,” documents how the Zambian government has issued mining and processing licenses to South African, Chinese, and local companies despite clear environmental risks. 

It details blatant violations of Zambia’s environmental and mining laws by several companies involved in the extraction and processing of lead waste.

“Companies are profiting in Kabwe from mining, removing, and processing lead waste at the expense of children’s health,” said Juliane Kippenberg, associate children’s rights director at Human Rights Watch.

The report calls on the Zambian government to take urgent action to halt hazardous mining activities, revoke licenses of responsible companies, and carry out a full clean-up of the lead-contaminated areas.

Between 2022 and late 2024, businesses have engaged in or facilitated the hazardous extraction of zinc, lead, and other minerals from lead-contaminated waste near Kabwe’s former mine. 

As a result, massive piles of toxic waste have been moved across the city and left exposed, further endangering residents, particularly children.

“The waste piles across Kabwe are very concerning,” said an 18-year-old activist. 

“Children tend to play around them or on top of them. These waste mountains are not sealed off, and when they are transported elsewhere, those new areas become toxic too.”

The crisis has also affected small-scale and artisanal miners who rely on the contaminated waste for income. 

Many are women who bring their children with them due to economic hardship. 

A 32-year-old mother recounted taking her son to work at the site until he developed severe memory problems at the age of 15. 

“We are constantly living in fear because it is not a safe area … but it’s the only way I can sustain my children,” she said.

While the Zambian government has taken some steps to address lead contamination through the World Bank-funded Zambia Mining and Environmental Remediation and Improvement Project, it has failed to clean up the source of pollution. 

President Hakainde Hichilema has twice—first in March 2022 and again in April 2024—announced plans to establish a government committee to tackle the crisis, but no such body has been created.

HRW is urging the Zambian government to take decisive action by suspending all mining operations in contaminated areas, revoking licenses of companies involved in hazardous activities, and prioritizing the health and safety of Kabwe’s residents, particularly children.