Acid Spill from Chinese-Owned Copper Mine Contaminates Crucial Zambian Waterway

A catastrophic acid spill from a Chinese-owned copper mine in Zambia threatens the Kafue River, impacting local communities and ecosystems. Approximately 50 million liters of contaminated waste have been released due to a tailings dam collapse. The president and local authorities express grave concerns, warning of long-term consequences and disruptions to water supplies for millions. The mine’s management has vowed to restore the environment promptly.

A serious environmental disaster has occurred due to a significant acid spill from a Chinese-owned copper mine in Zambia, posing a substantial threat to the Kafue River, the country’s primary waterway. Recent reports from the Associated Press highlight that approximately 50 million liters of contaminated waste, including acid, heavy metals, and dissolved solids, have flowed from the Chambishi copper mine into nearby streams connected to the Kafue River. This incident, which began on February 18 following the collapse of the mine’s tailings dam operated by Sino-Metals Leach Zambia, has prompted severe concerns from local authorities and environmental advocacy groups.

President Hakainde Hichilema described this leak as a crisis with potential dire implications for both the human population and wildlife along the river. The Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation warned of severe repercussions, such as groundwater contamination and destruction of crops in the river’s vicinity. Reports from the area indicate visible distress in local ecosystems, with dead fish observed washing ashore as far as 100 kilometers downstream.

The Kafue River is crucial for Zambia, supporting about 60% of the population residing in its basin and providing drinking water for approximately five million people, including residents of Lusaka, the capital. The spill has already compelled the shutdown of the water supply in Kitwe, affecting around 700,000 individuals.

In response to the crisis, the chairman of Sino-Metals Leach Zambia met with Zambian government representatives, where he expressed regret over the incident. Company records reveal his commitment to restoring the affected environment expeditiously, stating they would “go all out to restore the affected environment as quickly as possible.”

The acid spill from the Chambishi copper mine highlights significant environmental and public health concerns, especially regarding the Kafue River’s vital role in Zambia. With immediate impacts on local communities and ecosystems, urgent measures for restoration and prevention are essential. The commitment from the mining company to address the damages further emphasizes the need for accountability in safeguarding environmental resources.

Original Source: www.mining.com