KCM To Compensate Nchanga Villagers Over Pollution

Konkola Copper Mines (KCM), a subsidiary of UK-based mining giant Vedanta Resources, is set to pay an undisclosed amount to over 2,500 villagers near its Nchanga Copper mine over claims the mine polluted their drinking water. 

In 2015, claimants living near the mine alleged that toxic discharge from Nchanga had poisoned water sources and destroyed farmland. The case was tried in the UK Supreme Court after a landmark ruling in 2019 allowing for a foreign case to be heard. 

In its judgement the Supreme Court said the firm owed villagers a duty of care. It also said it was worried they would not receive justice in the Zambian courts.

In a joint statement with UK-based law firm Leigh Day, Vedanta said that KCM did not admit liability but had settled the claims “for the benefit of the local community”. 

“It was claimed that toxic effluent discharge from the mine damaged local land and waterways used for irrigation and the use of polluted water for drinking, washing and bathing caused residents severe health problems,” it said. 

Leaked documents in 2015 appeared to show that KCM had been spilling sulphuric acid and other toxic chemicals into water sources. Residents from Hippo Pool, Kakosa, Shimulala and Hellen said the Mushishima and Kafue streams had become ‘rivers of acid’.