Rights group seeks AU action over toxic mining in Zambia town

Rights groups on Thursday called on the African Union to pressure the Zambian government to take responsibility for hazardous mining practices in the lead-contaminated town of Kabwe.

Kabwe, around 150 kilometres (95 miles) north of the capital Lusaka, is one of the world's most polluted places from decades of lead and zinc mining.

More than 30 years after the Kabwe mine's closure in 1994, residents, including children, are still exposed to extreme levels of toxic lead, found in the soil and dust around homes, schools and roads.

The Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa (IHRDA), alongside Zambian non-governmental organisations and affected families, filed a complaint with the African Union (AU), according to a statement by Human Rights Watch (HRW).

"The consequences of the Zambian government's inadequate enforcement of mining and environmental regulations have been borne by children, the most vulnerable population," said Allan Ngari, the Africa advocacy director at HRW.

Last year, HRW said more than 95 percent of children living near the mine had elevated blood lead levels, with about half requiring urgent treatment.

In the application, the rights groups are demanding that the Zambian government facilitate ensure "lead testing and treatment for all children in Kabwe", among other measures.

"This request for AU action is an opportunity for the Zambian government to place children's rights to health and safety above its economic interest," Ngari said.

The request for AU's intervention comes amid a class action suit in South Africa against mining giant Anglo American, with a ruling expected this year.

The Kabwe mine was run by Anglo American from 1925 to 1974, in which time experts say two-thirds of the lead in the local environment was likely to have been deposited.

Anglo American has denied responsibility, saying they only "provided certain technical services to the mine, but at no stage owned or operated the mine".