Chinese Mining Firm Accused of Covering Up Zambian Ecological Disaster

In October 2025, a Chinese mining company, Sino-Metals, has been accused of attempting to cover up the severity of a dam collapse that caused an environmental disaster in Zambia's Kafue River Basin. The February 2025 incident saw the release of 50 million liters of acidic waste into a tributary, leading to a massive fish die-off and forcing the nearby city of Kitwe to shut down its water supply.

Sino-Metals, a subsidiary of the state-run China Nonferrous Metals Industry Group, initially blamed the collapse on vandalism and heavy rainfall. However, the company has reportedly sought to ensure any compensation to affected farmers and residents is tied to their silence. Villagers were asked to sign nondisclosure agreements, agreeing not to speak publicly about the spill or the settlements in exchange for payments as low as $150.

Local activists have stated these terms were typical for all victims approached by Sino-Metals. The company has also allegedly used police to pressure residents and remove evidence of the environmental damage, in what appears to be an effort to erase proof that could be used in an eventual investigation. Affected farmers and fishermen have since filed a $200 million lawsuit against the company.

Despite the Chinese government's claims that Sino-Metals "actively stepped up to their responsibilities," the mining firm's actions have drawn widespread criticism for their apparent attempts to cover up the true scale of the ecological disaster in Zambia.