An acid spill from a Chinese-owned copper mine in Zambia has contaminated the Kafue River, threatening wildlife and public health. About 50 million liters of toxic waste spilled from the Chambishi mine following a dam collapse on February 18. The incident has disrupted water supply for millions in the region, prompting urgent calls for environmental restoration from mine officials.
An acid spill from a Chinese-operated copper mine in Zambia has raised serious concerns regarding its effect on the Kafue River, a crucial waterway. The incident involved approximately 50 million liters of waste containing concentrated acid and heavy metals, which flowed from the Chambishi mine owned by Sino-Metals Leach Zambia, a subsidiary of the state-run China Nonferrous Metals Industry Group.
The disaster occurred on February 18 when the tailings dam at the mine collapsed. Following the incident, Zambian authorities, including President Hakainde Hichilema, expressed alarm, highlighting the spill as a severe crisis threatening both human and wildlife health along the river. The Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation emphasized the potential disastrous consequences, such as groundwater contamination and crop destruction along the riverbanks.
Investigations revealed dead fish appearing along the riverbank approximately 100 kilometers downstream from the mine, further indicating the ecological impact of the spill. The Kafue River basin supports about 60% of Zambia’s population, providing drinking water to approximately five million individuals, including those residing in the capital, Lusaka. Furthermore, the spill has already led to the shutdown of water services to Kitwe, a city housing around 700,000 residents.
In response, the chairman of Sino-Metals Leach Zambia met with government officials to convey regret over the spill and assured a commitment to expedite the restoration of the affected environment.
Authorities are actively seeking to mitigate the damage caused by this environmental disaster while prompting further scrutiny of mining operations within the country.
The acid spill from the Chinese-owned copper mine presents a significant threat to the Kafue River, affecting the health of local ecosystems and the population reliant on its water. With urgent measures required for environmental restoration and public health safety, this incident underscores the need for stringent oversight of mining practices in Zambia. The ongoing response and future actions will be crucial in addressing the immediate and long-term impacts of this crisis.
Original Source: www.mining.com
