Environmental Catastrophe in Zambia Following Acid Leak at Chinese Mine

A significant acid leak from a Chinese-operated mine in Zambia has led to severe pollution of the Kafue River, impacting millions. The Zambian government is taking measures to address the environmental and health crisis while addressing the role of Chinese corporations in local mining practices. Concerns have risen regarding contaminated groundwater and ecosystem degradation in the region.

Zambian officials and environmental organizations are dealing with the fallout of an acid leak at a Chinese-operated copper mine, threatening a critical river and millions of lives. Contamination signs are present over 100 kilometers downstream, warning of a potential environmental disaster. The incident on February 18 involved the collapse of a dam storing acidic mine waste from northern Zambia, resulting in a significant spill.

Estimates by the Engineering Institution of Zambia suggest that approximately 50 million liters of toxic waste, containing strong acids and heavy metals, entered a tributary connected to the Kafue River, Zambia’s primary water source. Environmental activist Chilekwa Mumba has referred to this as “an environmental tragedy with severe implications.”

China dominates Zambia’s copper mining sector, with Zambia ranking among the world’s top ten copper producers. President Hakainde Hichilema has sought expert assistance, characterizing the incident as a crisis affecting both human and wildlife populations along the Kafue River, which stretches for over 1,500 kilometers across the country. Investigations into the spill’s full impact are ongoing.

During a visit to the Kafue River, an Associated Press journalist noted widespread biodiversity loss, including dead fish seen nearly 100 kilometers from the mine operated by Sino-Metals Leach Zambia. Reports from the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation highlighted severe damage to crops along the river, with fears that groundwater may also be contaminated.

Local resident Sean Cornelius articulated the dramatic change, stating, “Before 18 February, this river was full of life. Now, it’s completely dead. It’s unbelievable. The river died overnight.”

The Kafue River basin supports around 60 percent of Zambia’s 20 million population, crucial for fishing, agriculture, and drinking water. The contamination led to halted water supplies in cities like Kitwe. In response, the Zambian government has deployed the air force to neutralize the acid with lime and confirmed that Sino-Metals Leach Zambia would bear cleanup costs.

Zhang Peiwen, chairman of Sino-Metals Leach Zambia, apologized for the spill, calling it a wake-up call for the mining industry. Despite the economic contributions, Chinese mining operations in Zambia have faced criticism for environmental and labor violations, highlighting the tension between resource extraction and community concerns.

Zambia is grappling with over $4 billion in debt to China, having restructured loans post-default in 2020. Following the Sino-Metals incident, authorities discovered another leak at a smaller Chinese-owned mine, where a tragic incident resulted in a worker’s death. Government orders have resulted in the suspension of operations at both mines, igniting public outrage.

Environmental engineer Mweene Himwinga pointed out the persistent negligence of some investors regarding environmental protection, expressing deep concern for the consequences on local communities. “This is our home—the only land we have,” he remarked, underscoring the critical nature of ecological stewardship in the face of industrial activities.

The acid leak at the Chinese-operated copper mine in Zambia has sparked a humanitarian and environmental crisis, affecting millions and jeopardizing a vital water source. As the government mobilizes cleanup efforts and addresses public concerns, this incident underscores critical issues related to environmental governance and the responsibilities of foreign investors in resource extraction. The situation continues to evolve, necessitating thorough investigations and an urgent response to safeguard Zambian communities and ecosystems.

Original Source: www.downtoearth.org.in