A catastrophic acid spill from a Chinese-owned copper mine in Zambia has contaminated the Kafue River, threatening local ecosystems and water supply. Approximately 50 million liters of waste leaked following a tailings dam collapse, impacting the health of nearby residents and wildlife. The incident prompted responses from Zambian officials and the mine owners, who pledged to restore the affected area.
A substantial waste spill originating from a Chinese-owned copper mine in Zambia has raised significant concerns regarding the Kafue River, a critical waterway in the region. An investigation conducted by the Engineering Institution of Zambia revealed that approximately 50 million liters of waste, composed of concentrated acid, dissolved solids, and heavy metals, escaped from the Chambishi copper mine and contaminated nearby streams that flow into the Kafue River.
The incident, which occurred on February 18, resulted from the collapse of a tailings dam at the mine, operated by Sino-Metals Leach Zambia and predominantly owned by the China Nonferrous Metals Industry Group. This event has sparked alarm among Zambian officials, including President Hakainde Hichilema, who acknowledged the crisis as a serious threat to both human and wildlife populations along the Kafue River.
In light of the spill, the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation expressed deep concerns over its potential “devastating consequences,” including possible groundwater contamination and subsequent damage to crops along the riverbanks. Reports from Associated Press journalists confirmed the grim reality of the situation, as they observed dead fish lining the banks approximately 100 kilometers downstream of the affected mine.
The Kafue River basin is home to about 60% of Zambia’s population, with around five million people, including the residents of the capital, Lusaka, relying on it for their drinking water. The spill has already led to the cessation of water supply to the city of Kitwe, which has an estimated population of 700,000.
The chairman of Sino-Metals Leach Zambia met with government officials to address the situation, where he expressed remorse for the acid spill. He committed to making every effort to restore the damaged environment as expeditiously as possible.
This incident highlights the need for stringent oversight and accountability in mining operations, particularly those involving hazardous materials.
The acid spill from the Chinese-owned mine has had dire implications for the Kafue River, threatening the health of both populations and ecosystems dependent on this vital waterway. With significant contamination reported and immediate measures evidently necessary to mitigate further ecological damage and protect water supplies, the incident calls for urgent attention from both local authorities and international environmental watchdogs to ensure accountability and prevent future occurrences.
Original Source: www.mining.com
