Health Alert – U.S. Embassy, Lusaka, Zambia: Acute Heavy Metal Poisoning
Location: Copperbelt Province
Event: The U.S. Embassy urges U.S. citizens in the vicinity of the Sino Metals Leach Mine in Chambishi and downstream areas to take precautions against acute heavy metal poisoning.
On February 18, 2025, the tailings dam at the Sino Metals Leach Mine in Chambishi collapsed, releasing 50 million liters of acidic and toxic waste, including heavy metals, into the Mwambashi stream and Kafue River ecosystem. Since the incident, there have been public reports of widespread dead fish and illness consistent with acute heavy metal poisoning among people living along the Mwambashi stream and immediate downstream areas.
Symptoms of acute heavy metal poisoning can be found on the CDC and OSHA websites.
Actions To Take
- Avoid the immediate area around the Sino Metals Leach Mine in Chambishi, specifically downstream areas along the Mwambashi stream and Kafue River for at least 24 kilometers (15 miles).
- Avoid river water for at least 100 kilometers (62 miles) from the spill site, and avoid all natural water sources (i.e., river, borehole/groundwater, etc.) within a 20 kilometer radius of the Sino Metals Leach Mine.
- Use and drink only safe water. Please note that boiling water does not remove heavy metals. Distillation may reduce the presence of most heavy metals in water.
- Avoid consuming fish sourced from or which are likely to have come through the affected area and consult local fish advisories for broader food safety updates.
- Speak with your medical care provider if you are concerned you may have symptoms. If needed, refer to our list of local medical providers.
Assistance
- U.S. Embassy Lusaka
- Phone: +(260) 211-357-000 +(260) 966-050-123 +(260) 761-107-000 Email: ACSLusaka@state.gov
- State Department – Consular Affairs +1-888-407-4747 or +1-202-501-4444 Zambia Country Information
- Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates Follow us on X and Facebook.
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