Zambia’s Kafue River Devastated by Mining Acid Spill

An acid spill from a Chinese-owned mine has contaminated Zambia’s Kafue River, with significant environmental and economic ramifications. The incident occurred when a tailings dam collapsed, releasing 50 million liters of waste. Environmentalists warn of devastating effects on local agricultural communities and ecosystems. The Ministry of Fisheries has advised against consuming fish from the river, as the impacts of the spill continue to unfold.

The Kafue River in Zambia faces significant environmental threats following an acid spill from a Chinese-owned mining operation. Authorities and environmentalists express grave concerns regarding the lasting repercussions of this incident, which has polluted a vital water source for millions. Initial contamination was detected over 100 kilometers downstream, raising alarms about extensive environmental damage.

The spill occurred on February 18 when a tailings dam at a copper mine collapsed, releasing an estimated 50 million liters of waste. This waste mixture included concentrated acid, heavy metals, and dissolved solids, flowing into a stream that feeds into the Kafue River. The Engineering Institution of Zambia outlined the severity of this breach.

Environmental activist Chilekwa Mumba characterized the incident as an environmental catastrophe, especially detrimental to communities reliant on the river. He highlighted the adverse effects on local agriculture, emphasizing that many farmers were close to harvest when the spill occurred. Mumba stated, “What they had invested in has been washed away,” referring to the significant destruction of both soil and crops.

In the wake of the spill, alarming images surfaced, depicting dead fish along the riverbanks, and local farmers reported extensive damage to their crops, particularly maize and groundnuts. On February 23, the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock warned against consuming any fish from the Kafue River or nearby contaminated streams.

Juliet Bulaya, a local farmer, recounted the event’s personal toll, having witnessed the waste flow through her fish pond, leading to the total loss of her stock. “I just stood in agony, wondering what I would do about the money I spent on the project,” she expressed, capturing the emotional and financial impact.

Although the breach was repaired on February 19, and the discharge of harmful materials has been contained, the extensive environmental, economic, and humanitarian impacts of the spill remain to be fully assessed and understood.

The acid spill from a Chinese-owned mine into the Kafue River poses severe long-term risks to both the environment and local communities in Zambia. The incident has resulted in significant agricultural damage and threatens the livelihoods of those dependent on the river. While the immediate breach has been addressed, the full ramifications of this disaster are still unfolding, warranting ongoing attention and action from authorities and environmentalists alike.

Original Source: newscentral.africa