Zambia’s Kafue River Contaminated by Mining Acid Spill: An Environmental Catastrophe
A mining acid spill in Zambia’s Kafue River, caused by a dam collapse, has contaminated a vital water source for millions. Environmentalists warn of severe agricultural damage and health risks from the toxic spill. Although repairs were made, the full impact on the ecosystem and local communities is still being evaluated.
In Zambia, the contamination of the Kafue River from a mining acid spill has generated alarm among authorities and environmentalists due to its potential long-term consequences. This key water source affects millions, and the toxic effects were first noted over 100 kilometers downstream, indicating a serious risk of environmental degradation.
The spill occurred on February 18 when a tailings dam at a northern copper mine collapsed, releasing about 50 million liters of hazardous waste, including acid and heavy metals, into a stream linked to the Kafue River. The Engineering Institution of Zambia reported this incident, highlighting the severity of the situation.
Environmental activist Chilekwa Mumba called the event an environmental disaster, warning of its dire effects on communities reliant on the river. Many local farmers, nearing harvest, have suffered devastating losses. Mumba stated, “What they had invested in has been washed away,” illustrating the severe impact on agriculture and livelihoods.
After the spill, unsettling images surfaced, showing dead fish along riverbanks, while farmers reported significant crop damage, particularly to maize and groundnuts. In response, the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock issued a warning on February 23, advising against consuming fish from the Kafue River or contaminated streams.
Local farmer Juliet Bulaya experienced the devastation firsthand when the waste contaminated her fish pond, killing her entire stock. “I just stood in agony, wondering what I would do about the money I spent on the project,” she expressed, highlighting the economic repercussions.
While the spill’s breach was repaired by February 19 and the release of additional harmful waste has been mitigated, the full extent of the damage to the environment, economy, and affected communities is still unclear.
The acid spill from a mining company into the Kafue River in Zambia has raised significant environmental and economic concerns. With millions depending on the river for their livelihoods, the immediate impact on agriculture and fish populations is alarming. While the breach has been repaired, the long-term implications of this environmental disaster remain uncertain, necessitating ongoing assessment and response efforts.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
