Lumwana Mining dismisses K2 billion uranium exposure lawsuit, tags it as baseless, and poses no basis for liability

Lumwana Mining Company has dismissed as baseless and speculative a lawsuit by 193 former employees demanding nearly K2 billion in compensation for alleged exposure to uranium-contaminated drinking water during their years of service.

The mining firm insists that the uranium incident at the Chimiwungo water plant was “an isolated event that was promptly attended to” and poses “no basis for liability.”

The former employees, led by Abraham Kamanga, had taken the mining giant to the Lusaka High Court, accusing it of negligence and breach of duty after allegedly supplying unsafe water from the Chimiwungo Crossing Dam between 2012 and 2023.

They are demanding K10 million each—amounting to K1.93 billion in total—plus special damages and interest on all sums awarded.

According to the plaintiffs, many began experiencing serious health complications as early as 2015, allegedly linked to prolonged uranium exposure.

They claim that by 2023, 41 workers had been medically discharged, 51 resigned, and several others continued to suffer ailments associated with the contaminated water.

However, Lumwana has vehemently rejected the allegations, describing them as “remote, false, and unrelated to the uranium incident of 2023.”

The company further argues that some of the complainants left its employment as far back as 2006—years before the alleged contamination occurred—and therefore could not have been affected.

In its defence, Lumwana stated that water sourced from Chimiwungo Dam undergoes routine safety and quality checks.

It confirmed that on November 8, 2023, routine sampling detected “small traces of elevated uranium” at the Chimiwungo In-Pit Service Water Treatment Plant.

The company said it immediately informed regulators, including the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) and the Water Resources Management Authority (WARMA), prompting independent investigations.

To further safeguard workers, Lumwana said it suspended the use of water from the affected plant, supplied bottled water, and conducted awareness programmes on uranium safety in collaboration with ZEMA officials.

The company maintains it acted responsibly at all times and denies any negligence in ensuring a safe working environment.

“The plaintiffs were kept fully informed and adequately protected while investigations were underway. The incident was isolated, swiftly contained, and had no adverse health implications,” Lumwana’s defence reads.

Lumwana has, therefore, urged the court to dismiss the case, arguing that the claims are speculative, unsupported by evidence, and that none of the alleged ailments have been substantiated or linked to uranium exposure.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.