The Globe and Mail reports in its Friday, Jan. 23, edition that Zambia's heavy reliance on mining, particularly copper comes with a cost in the form of spills and toxic pollution. The Globe's Geoffrey York writes that First Quantum Minerals and Barrick Mining are among the biggest producers, with Chinese, Middle Eastern and American miners flocking to the country. They are powering an economic boom that will deliver a projected 6.4-per-cent growth rate for Zambia this year. Copper profits come at a high cost, displacing thousands and jeopardizing farms and livelihoods. Sino-Metals Leach Zambi had a toxic spill on Feb. 18, 2025. The spill released 50,000 tonnes of acidic waste into waterways. After two months analysis showed that more than 1.5 million tonnes of waste material had spilled. Six months later, about 900,000 cubic metres of toxic tailings were still present in the environment. Western governments are still cautioning travellers about the spill's impact today. Toxic spills have become frequent at other Chinese-owned mining sites in Zambia. Zambian Water Development Minister Collins Nzovu said last year that he was appalled by the "blatant disregard for environmental regulations" at a Chinese operated mine.