Environmental Crisis in Zambia: Copper Mining Waste Causes Catastrophic Pollution
A significant environmental disaster occurred in Zambia on February 18, when over 50 million liters of copper mining wastewater were released into the Mwambashi River. This pollution has caused extensive harm to fisheries, agriculture, and water safety, affecting the health of local communities. The Zambian government promises an investigation and increased regulatory measures, while advocacy groups stress the importance of preventive action.
On February 18, an embankment containing wastewater from copper mining operations collapsed, resulting in the release of over 50 million liters of waste into the Mwambashi River. This river is a tributary of the Kafue River, which is vital as the largest river wholly within Zambia and a significant tributary of the Zambezi River.
Sino-Metals Leach Zambia, a Chinese-owned company operating in Kitwe District of Copperbelt Province, is responsible for the mine from which the waste originated. The acidic effluent has led to widespread fish deaths, crop damage, and disrupted water supplies for local communities, thereby posing serious risks to both human and animal health. Approximately 60% of Zambia’s 20 million population relies on the Kafue River Basin for multiple needs, including irrigation and fishing.
The Zambian government reported damages to agricultural fields, particularly maize and groundnuts, while the extent of the ecological destruction remains indeterminate. This environmental disaster has dire implications for health, ecology, and the economy, resulting in contaminated water with toxic heavy metals, kill-off of aquatic species, and disruption of local ecosystems.
Compounding these issues, the pollution risks unsafe irrigation practices and the bioaccumulation of toxins within the food chain. The economic ramifications extend to fisheries, agriculture, and tourism, alongside highlighted cleanup costs. Long-lasting impact might include cumulative contamination effects and potential environmental collapse.
The affected area is classified as a Key Biodiversity Area (KBA) within Kafue Flats, home to various wildlife species, including the endemic Kafue lechwe and over 450 bird species. The ecological significance of this area cannot be overstated, as it hosts numerous threatened species, including the Zambian Barbet and Wattled Cranes, indicating its crucial role in regional biodiversity.
In response to this environmental crisis, the Zambian government has initiated an independent investigation into river pollution, especially in the Copperbelt region, raising awareness over potential environmental damages linked to mining activities. BirdWatch Zambia (BWZ), a local organization, has allied with other civil society organizations to form the Zambia Environmental Justice Coalition, raising concerns over the pollution incidents in the Copperbelt.
“This is not the first time a disaster of this nature has occurred, and the level of damage witnessed—both to people and the environment—is unacceptable. Such incidents are preventable,” stated Mary Malasa, Program Manager at BirdWatch Zambia.
BWZ advocates for the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) to enhance regulatory oversight and implement stringent measures to avert future incidents, emphasizing the importance of adopting a proactive stance over a reactive one to safeguard communities and natural resources.
The environmental disaster in Zambia, triggered by the collapse of the wastewater embankment, has resulted in significant ecological and socio-economic fallout. Urgent action is required to mitigate the immediate damage and prevent future occurrences. Collaboration between government agencies and civil organizations is essential to establish robust regulatory frameworks and ensure the protection of vital water resources and biodiversity within the impacted regions.
Original Source: www.birdlife.org
