Acid Spill from Chinese-Owned Copper Mine Contaminates Kafue River in Zambia

A catastrophic acid spill from a Chinese-owned copper mine in Zambia has contaminated the Kafue River, threatening local ecosystems and water supply for millions. The incident began on February 18, following a tailings dam collapse, resulting in substantial environmental concerns and immediate calls for remediation from government officials and the mine’s leadership.

A significant environmental crisis has emerged in Zambia following a waste spill from a Chinese-owned copper mine, which poses a severe threat to the Kafue River, the country’s most essential waterway. An estimated 50 million liters of contaminated waste, including concentrated acid, dissolved solids, and heavy metals, were released into the environment due to the collapse of a tailings dam at the Chambishi copper mine, operated by Sino-Metals Leach Zambia. This incident occurred on February 18 and has raised considerable alarm among local authorities and environmental advocates.

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has expressed profound concern regarding the spill, which he termed “a crisis that threatens people and wildlife along the Kafue.” The Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation has further warned of its potential to contaminate groundwater and devastate agriculture by damaging crops along the river. The situation is dire, with reports of dead fish appearing along the riverbanks approximately 100 kilometers from the source of the spill.

Approximately 60% of Zambia’s population lives in the Kafue River basin, relying on its waters, which provide drinking supply to about five million individuals, including residents of the capital, Lusaka. The spill has already resulted in the shutdown of water services for the nearby city of Kitwe, which houses around 700,000 citizens. In response to the situation, the chairman of Sino-Metals Leach Zambia has met with government officials and issued an apology, asserting that the company will “go all out to restore the affected environment as quickly as possible.”

In summary, the acid spill from the Chambishi copper mine emphasizes the urgent environmental challenges facing Zambia, particularly regarding the Kafue River. With potential long-term impacts on both human populations and wildlife, this incident necessitates immediate action from governmental and corporate entities. The commitment from mine officials to rectify the damage is a positive step, yet the full extent of the spill’s consequences is still unfolding, requiring close monitoring.

Original Source: www.mining.com