Acid Spill from Chinese-Owned Mine Contaminates Kafue River in Zambia

A devastating acid spill from a Chinese-owned copper mine in Zambia has contaminated the Kafue River, threatening local ecosystems and water supplies for millions. Authorities are responding to the crisis, while the mine owner has pledged to restore the affected environment.

A significant environmental disaster has occurred due to a catastrophic waste spill from a Chinese-owned copper mine in Zambia, raising serious concerns about the Kafue River, which is crucial to the nation. Approximately 50 million liters of waste, containing concentrated acids and heavy metals, have leaked from the Chambishi mine into streams that feed into the Kafue River, as reported by the Engineering Institution of Zambia. The incident, which began on February 18, involved the collapse of a tailings dam operated by Sino-Metals Leach Zambia, majority-owned by the China Nonferrous Metals Industry Group.

Zambian authorities, including President Hakainde Hichilema, have expressed alarm regarding the spill’s potential long-term impacts. President Hichilema requested assistance from experts, stating that this leak poses a serious crisis affecting both residents and wildlife along the Kafue River. The Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation has also highlighted the risk of catastrophic consequences, such as groundwater contamination that could devastate crops along the riverbanks.

Reporters from the Associated Press have visited the affected areas and confirmed sightings of dead fish along the river banks approximately 100 kilometers downstream from the mine. Given that 60% of Zambia’s population lives within the Kafue River basin, with five million people relying on the river for drinking water, the repercussions of the spill are particularly concerning. Moreover, the acid spill has already led to the suspension of water supplies to Kitwe, a nearby city with an estimated population of 700,000.

In response to the incident, the chairman of Sino-Metals Leach Zambia has met with Zambian officials, apologizing for the spill and ensuring that the company would take immediate action to restore the affected environment. His remarks were documented in a company transcript, reflecting the mine’s commitment to addressing the crisis effectively.

The acid spill from the Chambishi copper mine in Zambia has resulted in a severe environmental threat to the Kafue River, impacting millions who rely on its waters. The government’s swift response and the mine operator’s commitment to restoration are critical as they navigate the aftermath of this incident. Ongoing assessments and remediation will be essential to mitigate the long-term consequences of this disaster.

Original Source: www.mining.com