Zambia’s Kafue River was contaminated by a massive acid spill from a mining operation, affecting millions reliant on the water source. The breach from a tailings dam released 50 million liters of toxic waste, leading to severe environmental and economic impacts, particularly on agriculture. Authorities have warned against consuming affected fish, and the long-term effects remain uncertain.
Zambia faces a significant environmental crisis following an acid spill from a Chinese-owned mine that has contaminated the Kafue River, impacting millions of residents who rely on this vital water source. The situation, first reported over 100 kilometers downstream, highlights the potential for extensive environmental harm caused by mining practices.
The incident took place on February 18 when a tailings dam at a northern copper mine failed, releasing around 50 million liters of toxic waste, including concentrated acid and heavy metals. The Engineering Institution of Zambia emphasized the severity of the breach, which directly affected a stream flowing into the Kafue River.
Activist Chilekwa Mumba characterized the spill as an environmental disaster with dire consequences for local communities that rely on the river for their livelihoods. He noted that the incident severely disrupted local agriculture, particularly harming farmers who were close to harvest. Mumba pointed out, “What they had invested in has been washed away,” illustrating the significant loss to the region.
Following the spill, images of dead fish along the riverbanks surfaced, alongside reports from local farmers about crop destruction, particularly in maize and groundnuts. The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock issued a warning on February 23, advising against the consumption of fish from the Kafue River.
Local farmer Juliet Bulaya described the tragedy of witnessing her fish stock wiped out by the toxic waste. “I just stood in agony, wondering what I would do about the money I spent on the project,” she expressed, highlighting the economic toll on affected families.
Although the breach was mended by February 19 and the release of harmful substances was managed, the overall extent of the environmental, economic, and human impacts continues to be uncertain and concerning.
The acid spill from the mining operation in Zambia has raised serious environmental and economic concerns, affecting the Kafue River and endangering local livelihoods. While immediate remediation efforts were undertaken, the lasting repercussions for agriculture, health, and the ecosystem have yet to be fully assessed. This incident underscores the need for stringent regulations and monitoring in mining activities to protect essential water resources.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
