Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Thursday urged the Zambian government to act punitively against mining firms that are violating domestic environmental law and worsening lead pollution. HRW detailed the impact of the firm Jubilee Metals Group on Kabwe, one of the ten most polluted sites globally.

HRW asserted that Article 36 of the Mines and Minerals Act states “uncontrollable pollutions” as grounds to “suspend or curtail production or close the mine or a section of the mine.” Furthermore, the Environmental Management Act of Zambia states that everyone has a right to a clean, safe, and healthy environment. The legislation also mandates that businesses submit environmental impact assessments to the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) and only continue mining after receiving approv

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