Drizit Zambia says this is contrary to Sino Metals’ initial report that only 50,000 tonnes of waste material had spilled.
Further, Drizit Zambia notes that more than 3,500 samples collected were found to contain dangerous levels of cyanide, arsenic, copper, zinc, lead, chromium, cadmium, and other pollutants posing significant long-term health risks, including organ damage, birth defects, and cancer.
According to a statement issued on Friday, Drizit Zambia said after submitting a report indicating the severity of the pollution and associated risks to communities and the environment, Sino Metals terminated the contract one day before the final report was due.
“Following the catastrophic tailings dam failure at Sino Metals Leach Ltd in Kitwe, Drizit Zambia was one of the only two companies in the SADC region with the technical capacity to respond. After engagement with regulators and Sino Metals, Drizit was contracted to conduct a two-month independent impact assessment.
A multidisciplinary team of geoscientists, hazmat specialists, and field staff was mobilised. More than 3,500 samples were collected and analysed through AH Knight, a globally accredited laboratory. Sampling extended from the immediate fallout area downstream to the Kafue River, ensuring a comprehensive and scientifically credible assessment.
Our findings confirmed the scale and severity of the incident. While Sino Metals initially reported that only 50,000 tonnes of waste material had spilled, Drizit’s fieldwork indicated that over 1.5 million tonnes were released, with approximately 900,000 cubic metres of toxic tailings still present in the environment,” the statement read.
“These materials were found to contain dangerous levels of cyanide, arsenic, copper, zinc, lead, chromium, cadmium, and other pollutants posing significant long-term health risks, including organ damage, birth defects, and cancer.
After submitting reports indicating the severity of the pollution and associated risks to communities and the environment, Sino Metals terminated the contract one day before the final report was due.
Drizit has since initiated legal proceedings to recover substantial unpaid costs for the independently financed assessment, as well as additional legal expenses caused by Sino Metals’ actions”.
Further, the statement indicated that unless the remaining toxic tailings were removed and safely contained in a properly engineered facility, downstream communities would remain at risk for decades.
“Recent commentary has wrongly claimed that Drizit Zambia sought to downplay the disaster or acted for financial gain. These allegations are false, malicious, and without evidence.
At all times, Drizit acted in good faith, transparently, and in accordance with international best practice. We stand by our findings: unless the remaining toxic tailings are removed and safely contained in a properly engineered facility, downstream communities will remain at risk for decades.
Drizit Zambia remains unwavering in its values of integrity, transparency, accountability, and service to communities and the environment. We will continue to cooperate fully with regulators, stakeholders, and communities to ensure the facts are upheld, that those affected are protected, and that the environment is safeguarded for future generations.
Drizit Zambia notes with deep concern the recent false and defamatory claims circulating in the media regarding our role in the Sino Metals tailings dam failure at the processing plant of Sino Metals Leach Limited, in Kitwe, Zambia on 18 February 2025,” read the statement.
“Allegations suggesting that Drizit acted improperly, colluded with regulators, or downplayed the seriousness of the incident are categorically rejected. These claims are unfounded, unsupported by evidence, and in direct contradiction to our actions, reports and professional conduct throughout this process.
Drizit Environmental (Pty) Ltd, established in South Africa in 1975, has nearly 50 years of experience delivering pollution control and environmental management services to global industries. Drizit Zambia was launched in October 2024 as part of our African expansion, bringing international expertise and local insight to the region”
