Lusaka, Zambia – A class-action lawsuit seeking $80 billion in damages has been filed in the High Court of Zambia against two mining companies – Centibeci wet Smelting and Centibeci Africa Mining – following the collapse of tailings dams and subsequent pollution impacting local communities. 176 villagers are representing the community in the litigation, alleging the incident stemmed from engineering errors, construction defects, and poor operational management.
The lawsuit centers on a tailings leak first reported September 3rd, when Centibeci Wet Smelting stated approximately 50,000 cubic meters of tailings had leaked and were ”quickly controlled within hours of finding.” However,villagers claim they discovered the water was highly toxic several days after the dam collapsed.Court documents detail reports of health issues within the community,including hematuria and chest tightness,alongside contamination of well water and crop damage rendering produce unsuitable for consumption.
Plaintiffs are requesting the companies deposit $80 billion into accounts managed by the Zambian government as a security deposit for “environmental restoration” and “full compensation.” An additional $20 million emergency fund is sought to provide immediate assistance to affected residents and fund a comprehensive health and environmental assessment.
The U.S. embassy last month ordered the evacuation of personnel from Kitwe, citing concerns over potential health risks from pollutants entering the air, along with water and soil contamination.Zambian government spokesman Cornelius Mweetwa has downplayed the severity of the situation, stating, “there is no need to press the ‘panic button’ to alarm the whole country and the international community today.”
The case highlights growing concerns over the environmental impact of mining operations in Zambia, a major copper producer, and the role of Chinese investment in the sector. Centibeci Wet Smelting and Centibeci Africa Mining have yet to publicly comment on the lawsuit.
