Acid Spill from Copper Mine in Zambia Threatens Vital Waterway

A major acid spill from a Chinese-owned copper mine poses imminent threats to the Kafue River and its surrounding communities after a tailings dam collapse on February 18. Approximately 50 million liters of contaminated waste have discharged into the river, impacting water supplies and local wildlife. Authorities, including President Hakainde Hichilema, are urgently addressing the crisis, anticipating long-term environmental repercussions.

A significant waste spill from the Chambishi copper mine in Zambia’s Kafue River has raised serious environmental concerns. Approximately 50 million liters of acidic waste, along with dissolved solids and heavy metals, leaked into streams connecting to the river following the collapse of a tailings dam on February 18. This incident involves the Sino-Metals Leach Zambia, partly owned by China’s state-run enterprise.

Local authorities, including President Hakainde Hichilema, are alarmed at the potential impact, labeling it a crisis that endangers both human and wildlife populations along the river. The Zambian Ministry of Water Development warned of dire consequences, such as groundwater contamination and damage to local crops.

Reports confirmed the negative effects, as dead fish appeared on the banks approximately 100 km downstream from the spill site. Notably, around 60% of Zambia’s population resides in the Kafue River basin, relying on it for drinking water—approximately five million people, including those in Lusaka. The incident has already halted water supply to Kitwe, impacting about 700,000 residents.

Following the spill, the chairman of Sino-Metals Leach Zambia expressed remorse during a meeting with government officials, stating the company is committed to restoring the affected environment swiftly.

The acid spill from the Chambishi copper mine poses severe risks to Zambia’s Kafue River, which is critical for local communities and ecosystems. With immediate effects like water supply disruptions and environmental degradation, authorities are on high alert, urging swift action from responsible parties. The commitment by mine management to restore the environment, while essential, remains to be effectively implemented.

Original Source: www.mining.com