Thousands of Children in Zambia exposed to Lead Poisoning Crisis in Kabwe, HRW Report Reveals

A new Human Rights Watch (HRW) report has criticised the Zambian government for failing to act against serious environmental violations that have left thousands of children at risk of lead poisoning in Kabwe, one of the world’s most polluted places. The report, released on Wednesday, warns that ongoing mining activities in the region continue to expose residents to toxic contamination, despite the mine’s closure in 1994.  

The 67-page report accuses authorities of allowing South African, Chinese, and domestic mining firms to operate in the lead-contaminated town, further endangering the nearly 200,000 people, including women and children, already affected by decades of toxic lead exposure. HRW alleges that a subsidiary of Anglo American has been mining in the area, with an estimated 6.4 million tonnes of uncovered lead waste left in dumps. 

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HRW has called on the Zambian government to revoke the permits of mining companies operating in Kabwe and urgently clean up the pollution hazard. The report highlights that despite growing concerns over public health risks, authorities have failed to enforce environmental laws or implement adequate protective measures for residents.  

The Zambian government has yet to respond to the findings of the report, which intensifies pressure on officials to address the ongoing health crisis and hold mining companies accountable for their role in environmental degradation.