Lusaka High Court has adjourned the trial in a contractual dispute involving Drizit Zambia Limited and Sino Metals Leach Zambia Limited to December 1, 2026.
Lusaka High Court Judge Sylvia Munyinya has set December 1 to 4, 2026, for the continuation of the trial.
The trial, which commenced on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, was adjourned after internet connectivity challenges disrupted the virtual testimony of Drizit witnesses based in South Africa.
The difficulties arose when Drizit Operations Director, Nicholaas Johannes Du Preez, was unable to continue testifying virtually during cross-examination due to repeated internet connectivity interruptions.
Judge Munyinya subsequently directed the witnesses to travel to Zambia and testify in person, noting that continued reliance on Zoom could further delay the proceedings.
“My concern is on internet connectivity challenges, when are we going to conclude this case if we continue facing internet challenges? We have spent the whole day and we have not made progress,” Justice Munyinya stated.
“I think it is best that the court adjourns and allows the witnesses to travel to Zambia to testify in person.”
The matter stems from a contractual dispute between Drizit Zambia and Sino Metals following an environmental assessment conducted after the February 2025 tailings dam failure.
Drizit is seeking approximately US$3.48 million from Sino Metals, comprising outstanding payments under the contract, damages, interest and legal costs.
The two companies entered into an agreement on March 29, 2025, under which Drizit was engaged to conduct the environmental assessment.
However, the contract was later terminated following disagreements between the parties.
Drizit alleges that Sino Metals breached the agreement by failing to meet its contractual obligations, resulting in financial losses to the company.
On the other hand, Sino Metals denies the allegations and has filed a counterclaim of approximately US$871,800 against Drizit.
In its counterclaim, Sino Metals has accused Drizit of, among other things, fraudulent misrepresentation and submitting inaccurate reports in connection with the environmental assessment.
The High Court is expected to hear further evidence from witnesses representing both parties when the trial resumes on December 1, 2026.
