The Zambian government has rejected recent concerns raised by the United States about pollution risks in the Copperbelt mining region.
This follows a safety warning issued by the US embassy, which led to the withdrawal of its personnel from Kitwe and surrounding areas.
According to the embassy, there is ongoing contamination of both soil and water in areas near the Sino-Metals Leach Zambia mine.
The mine, operated by a Chinese-owned company, experienced a tailings dam collapse in February after heavy rainfall.
The dam held toxic waste and heavy metals, which then flowed into the Kafue River—a major source of drinking water and irrigation.
New findings, according to the embassy, revealed the presence of hazardous substances in the environment.
The warning also pointed out the possibility of airborne contamination from the dried-up mine waste, which could pose health risks through inhalation.
In response, the Zambian government dismissed the concerns, stating that water pH levels in the affected area have returned to normal and the water is now safe.
Government spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa said there is no longer a serious threat to public health, water supplies, or agriculture.
Officials also stressed that monitoring efforts have been ongoing since the incident.
The ministers responsible for water and the environment both confirmed that regular testing has shown water quality meeting international standards.
They also stated that affected communities had received compensation and that the government would continue to share updates.
Opposition voices offered mixed reactions. Green Party leader Peter Sinkamba questioned the timing of the US alert, suggesting it may be politically motivated.
He also pointed to older pollution issues in central Zambia caused by Western companies, which have received less attention.
Meanwhile, the Centre for Environment Justice described the incident as a serious environmental issue.
The organization called for immediate actions to clean up the area and prevent similar accidents in the future.