bbc.com
Zambian Artist Exposes the Toxic Legacy of the "Black Mountains
Zambian artist Stary Mwaba's Lusaka exhibition showcases the lives of young people mining Kitwe's toxic "black mountains," highlighting the dangerous conditions and environmental consequences of Zambia's mining legacy, while using old newspapers as canvases to juxtapose personal narratives with larger economic and political contexts.
- What are the immediate consequences of mining the "black mountains" in Zambia for the young people involved?
- Zambian artist Stary Mwaba's latest exhibition at the Lusaka National Museum portrays the lives of young people mining the toxic waste dumps known as "black mountains." These mountains, a legacy of a century of mining, contain toxic heavy metals and endanger the health of those who mine them for copper ore. The work highlights the dangerous and often fatal conditions faced by these miners, many of whom are driven by extreme poverty and lack of opportunities.
- How does Stary Mwaba's artistic approach connect the individual stories of miners to the broader political and economic context of Zambia's mining industry?
- Mwaba's art uses old newspapers as canvases, incorporating "grand narratives" from news articles and juxtaposing them with portraits of miners. This technique symbolizes how the larger economic and political context shapes the lives of individuals. The exhibition specifically addresses the impacts of mining on the Wusakile neighborhood in Kitwe, where a catastrophic waste spill earlier this year shut down the city's water supply, demonstrating the far-reaching consequences.
- What potential long-term impacts might Mwaba's art have on raising awareness about the environmental and social challenges associated with Zambia's mining legacy?
- Mwaba's work transcends mere documentation, prompting reflection on the systemic issues driving the situation. The exhibition reveals the complex interplay of poverty, lack of opportunity, and exploitative practices within the informal mining sector. The artist's focus on individual stories emphasizes the human cost of Zambia's mining legacy, and implies the need for sustainable solutions and improved social safety nets.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the story primarily through the lens of the artist's perspective and the hardships faced by the informal miners. While this provides a powerful human element, it could be argued that a more balanced approach would include perspectives from mining companies, government officials, or environmental experts to provide a broader context. The headline itself, focusing on the artist's exploration of the 'toxic legacy,' sets a somewhat negative tone from the outset.
Language Bias
The article uses emotionally charged language such as "toxic legacy," "dangerous," "fatal," and "catastrophic spill." While accurately reflecting the harsh realities, this language contributes to a generally negative portrayal. Suggesting alternatives like 'environmental consequences,' 'hazardous,' 'lethal,' and 'significant environmental incident' could offer a more neutral approach without losing impact.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the negative impacts of mining and the struggles of the miners, but it omits potential positive aspects of the mining industry in Zambia, such as economic contributions or job creation outside of the informal sector. It also doesn't explore potential government initiatives or international aid aimed at mitigating the environmental damage or supporting the affected communities. While acknowledging space constraints, these omissions could leave readers with an incomplete understanding of the complex issue.
False Dichotomy
The article doesn't explicitly present a false dichotomy, but it implicitly frames the situation as a stark choice between dangerous informal mining and unemployment, overlooking potential alternative livelihoods or government interventions.
Gender Bias
The article mentions both male and female miners, though the focus is predominantly on men. The portrayal of the two girls playing on homemade swings is rather stereotypical, emphasizing their playfulness rather than their resilience or experiences in a difficult environment. While not overtly biased, a more balanced gender representation could enhance the narrative.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the stark inequalities in Zambia, particularly the high youth unemployment (around 45%) forcing young people into dangerous and often illegal mining on the black mountains. This activity perpetuates a cycle of poverty and limits opportunities for education and better livelihoods. The wealth generated from this informal mining largely benefits a small elite, while the majority involved face significant risks and low rewards.