Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called on the Zambian government to enforce stricter regulations against Jubilee Metals Group, a South African mining company, for allegedly exacerbating lead contamination in Kabwe, Zambia. Kabwe is recognized as one of the top ten most polluted locations worldwide due to high levels of toxic lead.

In a detailed statement, HRW highlighted that under the Mines and Minerals Act, uncontrollable pollution is a valid reason for the government to either suspend mining operations or shut down the affected sections of the mine. Additionally, Zambia's Environmental Management Act obligates companies to conduct environmental impact assessments and secure approval from the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) before continuing operations.

Recent scientific studies have shown alarming data, with average blood lead levels in Kabwe residents reaching 11.9 μg/dL—significantly higher than the standard reference levels. This exposure is particularly concerning for the children of the area, many of whom are involved in scavenging activities from a young age to contribute to their family's income, thereby coming into close contact with lead-contaminated materials.

In March, HRW condemned the practices of Jubilee Metals Group and other entities for their role in the lead trade, which has been linked to severe health issues among local children. A class action lawsuit initiated by affected Zambian families against these companies gained traction in April 2024, when the Johannesburg High Court allowed the claimants to proceed with their case.

Despite these legal advancements, the Zambian government has yet to take decisive action to curb the operations of Jubilee Metals Group, leaving the residents of Kabwe vulnerable to ongoing lead exposure. The mining site, known locally as "Black Mountain," was originally established during the British colonial era in the 1990s and was never properly decommissioned. Recently, licenses were granted to several companies, including a subsidiary of Jubilee Metals Group, to remove lead from the site. However, this activity has only increased the level of pollution, affecting the health of the local population.

As international scrutiny grows, activists and residents are urging immediate governmental intervention to address this public health crisis and ensure a safer environment for the future generations of Kabwe.