The United States Embassy in Lusaka has issued a health alert following the spill at the Sino Metals Leach Mine dam in Zambia’s Copperbelt Province. The incident has led to contamination of water and soil with toxic heavy metals in Chambishi, Mwambashi, and Kitwe areas.
As a result of these health threats, U.S. government personnel have been reassigned from affected locations, and travel restrictions are now in place for staff in Chambishi town, areas along the Chambishi Stream and Mwambashi River up to the Mwambashi-Kafue confluence point, and Kitwe town.
The embassy has also instructed U.S. personnel to avoid any travel to Kitwe Town that would require them to rely on municipally available water for drinking or food preparation.
Contaminants from the mine’s tailings may not only affect water and soil but could also become airborne. The embassy warns that inhaling these substances could pose additional health risks. "The U.S. Embassy advises U.S. citizens in the vicinity of the Sino Metals Leach Mine in Chambishi and downstream areas to Kitwe to take precautions against exposure to, and consumption of, heavy metal contaminated water or foods cooked with it."
Citizens are encouraged to consult healthcare providers if they suspect symptoms related to exposure or if they have concerns about long-term effects from lower-level contact with toxic metals. The embassy noted that severe health effects might only appear after prolonged exposure.
For more information or assistance, individuals can contact the U.S. Embassy Lusaka by phone or email, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), or follow updates via social media channels X and Facebook.
Further details about local conditions are available through Zambia Country Travel Information provided by the State Department: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Zambia.html