Wed Mar 05 11:03:09 UTC 2025: ## Zambian Children Face Lead Poisoning Crisis in Kabwe Mining Town: HRW Report
**Kabwe, Zambia** – A new Human Rights Watch (HRW) report reveals a devastating lead poisoning crisis in Kabwe, Zambia, where over 95% of children have dangerously elevated blood lead levels. The report, released Wednesday, accuses the Zambian government of failing to address blatant environmental violations by allowing mining companies – including South African, Chinese, and domestic firms – to operate in the heavily contaminated area.
The shuttered Kabwe mine, one of the world’s most polluted sites, left behind an estimated 6.4 million tonnes of uncovered lead waste. This contamination, combined with ongoing mining activities by Anglo American subsidiary, exposes nearly 200,000 people, primarily women and children, to severe health risks. Soil lead levels have reached 60,000mg per kg, 300 times the US EPA hazard threshold. Approximately half of the affected children require urgent medical treatment.
HRW’s children’s rights director, Juliane Kippenberg, stated that companies are prioritizing profit over children’s health. She urged the Zambian government to revoke mining permits, clean up the pollution, and hold responsible parties accountable. The report highlights Kabwe as a “sacrifice zone,” where communities endure chronic pollution and resulting health problems. The Zambian government has yet to respond to the report’s findings. Lead poisoning can cause irreversible brain damage and death, particularly in children.
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