Acid Spill from Chinese-Owned Copper Mine Contaminates Vital Waterway in Zambia
A catastrophic acid spill from a Chinese-owned copper mine in Zambia has contaminated the Kafue River, leading to severe environmental and public health concerns. Approximately 50 million liters of toxic waste flowed into the river, closing water supplies for surrounding communities. Authorities, including President Hakainde Hichilema, are demanding immediate action, while the mine’s chairman has pledged efforts to restore the affected environment.
On February 18, a significant acid spill occurred at the Chambishi copper mine, operated by Sino-Metals Leach Zambia, a subsidiary of the China Nonferrous Metals Industry Group. Approximately 50 million liters of waste, comprising concentrated acid, dissolved solids, and heavy metals, contaminated numerous streams feeding into the Kafue River, which is vital for Zambia’s ecosystem and its populace.
Local authorities, including Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, have expressed grave concerns regarding the potential lasting effects of this spill on the Kafue River. President Hichilema termed the situation a crisis, urging for expert intervention to mitigate adverse impacts on both human and wildlife populations along the waterway.
The Zambian Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation echoed these worries, highlighting potential catastrophic outcomes such as groundwater contamination and agricultural damage to crops along the riverbanks. Evidence from recent reports indicated deceased fish were washing ashore approximately 100 kilometers downstream from the mine site, magnifying the environmental impact of the spill.
The Kafue River is crucial for over 60% of Zambia’s population, supplying drinking water to about five million individuals, including residents of the capital, Lusaka. Due to the spill, the water supply to the city of Kitwe, with an estimated 700,000 residents, has been halted.
In an attempt to address the crisis, the chairman of Sino-Metals Leach Zambia has met with Zambian officials to apologize for the incident, committing to expedite restoration efforts to the affected environment. This commitment reflects the urgency of the situation as authorities seek to avert a broader environmental disaster.
The acid spill from the Chambishi copper mine poses a significant threat to the Kafue River, impacting millions reliant on its water supply. Authorities are profoundly concerned regarding the long-term repercussions of such ecological damage, while the mine’s operators have publicly committed to rectifying the situation. The urgency of addressing environmental crises in mining industries is underscored by this incident, emphasizing the necessity for stringent regulatory oversight.
Original Source: www.mining.com
