Acid Spill from Chinese Mine Devastates Zambia’s Kafue River

Zambia’s Kafue River has suffered significant contamination due to an acid spill from a collapsed mining tailings dam. The breach released 50 million liters of hazardous waste, devastating local agriculture and harming fish populations. Authorities have warned against consuming fish from the river while the full impact remains unclear.

Authorities and environmentalists in Zambia express grave concerns regarding the long-term repercussions of an acid spill from a Chinese-owned mining operation that contaminated the Kafue River, a vital water source for millions. The contamination was first identified over 100 kilometers downstream, prompting fears of extensive ecological damage.

The incident took place on February 18, when a tailings dam at a copper mine in northern Zambia collapsed. The Engineering Institution of Zambia reported that the breach released approximately 50 million liters of waste, including concentrated acid, heavy metals, and dissolved solids, into a nearby stream connecting to the Kafue River.

Environmental activist Chilekwa Mumba characterized the event as an environmental disaster with severe consequences for local communities relying on the river. He noted that the spill has significantly harmed agriculture, especially for farmers approaching their harvest period. “What they had invested in has been washed away,” Mumba stated, highlighting the detrimental impact on soil and crops.

Following the spill, alarming photographs emerged showing dead fish along the riverbanks, while local farmers reported substantial crop damage, notably to maize and groundnuts. The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock issued a public advisory on February 23, advising against the consumption of fish from the Kafue River and other affected streams.

Local farmer Juliet Bulaya recounted watching waste flow through her fish pond, which annihilated her entire stock. “I just stood in agony, wondering what I would do about the money I spent on the project,” she lamented. Although the breach was sealed on February 19 and harmful discharges have been restricted, the comprehensive effects on the environment, economy, and local populations remain uncertain.

The Kafue River acid spill underscores the serious environmental and economic challenges posed by mining activities in Zambia. With millions relying on this water source, the incident has catastrophic implications, particularly for agriculture. The complete extent of the damage, despite immediate remedial actions, remains to be seen, emphasizing the need for stringent environmental protections in mining operations.

Original Source: newscentral.africa