An acid leak at a Chinese-operated copper mine in Zambia has caused significant pollution in the Kafue River, threatening local ecosystems and communities. Approximately 50 million liters of toxic waste have impacted water supplies and fish populations, prompting a government response. Investigations and cleanup efforts are underway as local residents express outrage over environmental negligence.
Zambian officials and environmental activists are facing serious repercussions following an acid leak at a Chinese-operated copper mine, impacting a vital river. Signs of pollution have spread over 100 kilometers downriver, signaling a potential environmental catastrophe. This incident, which occurred on February 18 due to the collapse of a waste storage dam, has the potential to affect millions of people.
Investigators from the Engineering Institution of Zambia estimate that approximately 50 million liters of hazardous waste, containing heavy metals and strong acids, flowed into a tributary of the Kafue River. This river is essential as Zambia’s primary waterway. Chilekwa Mumba, an environmental activist, described the incident as “an environmental tragedy with severe implications.”
Zambia ranks among the world’s top 10 copper producers, a sector significantly influenced by Chinese investments. President Hakainde Hichilema has sought expert help, calling the leak a crisis threatening human and wildlife safety along the river, which extends over 1,500 kilometers. Investigations into the full scope of the damage are ongoing.
A journalist from the Associated Press reported dead fish along the Kafue River, nearly 100 kilometers from the mine operated by Sino-Metals Leach Zambia. The Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation confirmed significant destruction, including crops alongside the river. There are concerns over groundwater contamination due to the toxic waste spreading through soil and affecting local ecosystems.
“The river died overnight,” commented resident Sean Cornelius, reflecting on the drastic changes in the river’s health. The Kafue River basin is vital, supporting 60 percent of Zambia’s population and serving as a water source for five million residents, including those in Lusaka. Water supplies in Kitwe, home to 700,000 people, have been suspended due to the spill.
In response to the crisis, the Zambian government deployed the air force to spread lime into the river to neutralize the acid. Additionally, government spokesman Cornelius Mweetwa stated that the mining company would bear the cleanup costs. Chairman Zhang Peiwen of Sino-Metals Leach Zambia has pledged to restore the affected area quickly, saying, “This incident has been a wake-up call for our company.”
Chinese mining operations in Zambia often face scrutiny for their environmental and labor practices. Local communities have expressed frustration over safety and regulatory negligence. Zambia’s financial struggles, with over $4 billion in debt to China, complicate these issues further.
Shortly after the first incident, another acid leak was reported at a different Chinese-run mine, where a worker tragically died due to an acid-related accident. Two Chinese managers were arrested, and both mines were ordered to cease activities amidst public outrage. Environmental engineer Mweene Himwinga remarked on the broader implications of the negligence shown by investors, emphasizing the need for responsible practices to protect Zambia’s ecosystem.
The recent acid leak at a Chinese-operated copper mine in Zambia has prompted significant environmental and public health concerns. This incident highlights the pressing issues of environmental negligence in foreign investments, particularly in the mining sector. The Zambian government’s immediate response has been to neutralize the environmental impact while calling for accountability from the responsible company. Continued monitoring and stricter regulations are essential to prevent future disasters.
Original Source: www.downtoearth.org.in
