Acid Spill from Chinese-owned Copper Mine Contaminates Kafue River in Zambia
A catastrophic acid spill from a Chinese-owned copper mine in Zambia has endangered the Kafue River, affecting the health and safety of millions. Local authorities and environmentalists are concerned about potential long-term impacts following a tailings dam collapse. The mining company has committed to restoring the affected environment after meeting with government officials.
On February 18, a significant acid spill from the Chambishi copper mine, owned by Sino-Metals Leach Zambia, occurred when the tailings dam collapsed. This incident resulted in an estimated 50 million liters of waste, containing concentrated acid, heavy metals, and dissolved solids, flowing into streams that connect to the Kafue River. The Kafue is crucial for both the ecosystem and the Zambian population, which heavily relies on its waters.
Local authorities, including President Hakainde Hichilema, expressed deep concerns regarding the spill’s potential long-term effects. The President stated the leak represents a crisis impacting both the local population and wildlife along the Kafue River. The Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation also warned about the severe consequences of the contamination, which may include groundwater pollution and the destruction of agriculture along the riverbanks.
Reports from the Associated Press and local journalists confirmed visible ecological damage, including dead fish found along the riverbanks approximately 100 kilometers downstream. Notably, up to 60% of Zambia’s population lives within the Kafue River basin, with the river providing drinking water to five million residents, including those in Lusaka, the capital city. The spill has also led to the suspension of the water supply to Kitwe, a city housing around 700,000 individuals.
In light of the crisis, the chairman of Sino-Metals Leach Zambia met with government representatives and issued an apology regarding the incident, committing to a swift restoration of the affected environment. The confirmed environmental and public health implications raise pressing questions regarding the responsibilities of foreign-owned enterprises in safeguarding local ecosystems.
The acid spill from the Chambishi copper mine poses a serious threat to the Kafue River and its surrounding ecosystems, impacting the water supply for millions of Zambians. Local authorities are alarmed by the potential long-term consequences, and immediate action has been taken by the mining company to address the disaster. The incident underscores the critical importance of environmental management, particularly for foreign investments in sensitive regions.
Original Source: www.mining.com
