An acid leak from a Chinese-operated mine in Zambia has severely polluted the Kafue River, affecting millions. The incident has been described as an environmental tragedy, prompting governmental responses and investigations into the extent of the damage. Concerns arise regarding the broader implications for water supply and local ecosystems in the region.
Zambian officials and environmental organizations are grappling with the aftermath of a significant acid leak from a Chinese-operated mine, which has contaminated a crucial river, posing risks to millions. The pollution has been detected over 100 kilometers downstream, raising alarms about a potential large-scale environmental crisis. This incident occurred on February 18, following the collapse of a dam that contained acidic waste from a copper mining operation located in northern Zambia.
Investigations conducted by the Engineering Institution of Zambia estimate that approximately 50 million liters of hazardous waste, which contains strong acids, dissolved solids, and heavy metals, released into a tributary connected to the Kafue River. This waterway is critical to Zambia’s ecological and economic stability. “This is an environmental tragedy with severe implications,” stated Chilekwa Mumba, an environmental activist in the Copperbelt Province.
As a leading player in Zambia’s copper industry, China is integral to the nation’s economy, which ranks among the world’s top ten copper producers. Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has sought expert help, categorizing the spill as a crisis threatening both the population and wildlife along the 1,500-kilometer Kafue River. Investigations into the full ramifications of the disaster are ongoing.
An Associated Press journalist who visited regions near the Kafue River reported sightings of dead fish nearly 100 kilometers from the Sino-Metals Leach Zambia mine. The Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation confirmed substantial destruction, including damage to agricultural lands adjoining the river. There is increasing worry that the toxic waste may contaminate groundwater, as organic pollutants seep into the earth.
Local residents have experienced drastic shifts in their river ecosystem. “Before 18 February, this river was full of life,” recounted Sean Cornelius, a local resident. “Now, it’s completely dead. It’s unbelievable. The river died overnight.” The Kafue River basin is crucial, serving about 60 percent of Zambia’s 20 million individuals, and supplying drinking water to roughly five million people, including those in Lusaka.
In response to this crisis, the Zambian government has mobilized the air force to disperse hundreds of tonnes of lime into the river, aiming to neutralize the acid and prevent further harm. Speedboats have been utilized for distribution in affected areas, and government spokesman Cornelius Mweetwa noted the gravity of the situation, assuring that Sino-Metals Leach Zambia would bear the expenses of the cleanup.
Zhang Peiwen, the chairman of Sino-Metals Leach Zambia, met with government officials and offered an apology regarding the situation. “This incident has been a wake-up call for our company and the mining industry,” stated Zhang. He reiterated the company’s commitment to restoring the damaged environment expeditiously.
Chinese mining enterprises in Zambia and adjacent nations like Congo and Zimbabwe have faced criticism for environmental and labor misconducts, despite their economic benefits. Accusations of neglecting safety and environmental standards have led to growing dissatisfaction among local communities concerning the operations of Chinese-owned copper mines.
Zambia is currently contending with over $4 billion in debt to China, having restructured some loans after defaulting in 2020. Shortly after the Sino-Metals leak, authorities found another acid leak from a smaller Chinese-operated mine in Copperbelt Province. This mine was alleged to have concealed details of its spill, and a tragic accident involving the death of a worker also emerged. Authorities have detained two Chinese managers amidst these events.
Following government intervention, both mines have been compelled to halt operations, triggering widespread public outrage. “This highlights the negligence of some investors when it comes to protecting the environment,” commented Mweene Himwinga, an environmental engineer present at the government meeting. He emphasized, “They appear to have no concern for the consequences. It’s deeply concerning because this is our home—the only land we have.”
The acid leak at a Chinese-operated mine in Zambia has triggered severe environmental and human health concerns, impacting millions dependent on the Kafue River. The response involves immediate government action to mitigate damage and a call for accountability from the mining sector. This incident underscores the urgent need for stringent environmental regulations to ensure the protection of ecosystems and local communities in Zambia, highlighting internal and external challenges related to mining activities.
Original Source: www.downtoearth.org.in
