Environmental Crisis in Zambia Following Acid Leak at Copper Mine
A catastrophic acid leak from a Chinese copper mine in Zambia has severely polluted the Kafue River, impacting its ecosystem and threatening millions of residents. The government has launched an investigation and cleanup operation while facing criticism for environmental negligence from Chinese companies. Chemical treatment interventions and external expert assistance are being sought to manage the fallout of this environmental disaster.
Zambian officials and environmental organizations are grappling with the adverse effects of a significant acid leak from a Chinese-operated copper mine, which has polluted a crucial river and poses a threat to millions. Contamination has been detected over 100 kilometers downstream, raising concerns about a serious environmental crisis. The incident, which took place on February 18, involved a dam’s collapse that stored acidic waste from the mine in northern Zambia.
Experts from the Engineering Institution of Zambia estimate that approximately 50 million liters of waste, containing strong acids, dissolved solids, and heavy metals, were released into a tributary of the Kafue River, the country’s most important waterway. Environmental activist Chilekwa Mumba described the incident as an “environmental tragedy with severe implications.”
China plays a pivotal role in Zambia’s copper mining industry, which ranks among the top ten producers of copper globally. President Hakainde Hichilema has sought expert assistance, labeling the spill as a crisis that jeopardizes both human and wildlife along the Kafue River, which stretches over 1,500 kilometers. Investigations into the damage’s extent are ongoing.
An Associated Press reporter visiting the Kafue observed numerous dead fish along the river banks, nearly 100 kilometers from the Sino-Metals Leach Zambia mine. The Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation reported “severe damage,” including crop destruction. Residents express mounting concerns about groundwater contamination, as toxic waste seeps into the soil, leading to significant ecological changes.
Sean Cornelius, a local resident, lamented, “Before 18 February, this river was full of life. Now, it’s completely dead. It’s unbelievable. The river died overnight.” The Kafue River basin supports about 60% of Zambia’s population, providing water for various uses, including drinking for approximately five million people in Lusaka. The acid spill has halted water supplies in Kitwe, home to around 700,000 residents.
In response to the crisis, the Zambian government has mobilized the air force to distribute lime in the river to neutralize the acid and mitigate further damage. Government spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa confirmed that Sino-Metals Leach Zambia would bear the cleanup costs. Zhang Peiwen, the company’s chairman, expressed regret and stated, “This incident has been a wake-up call for our company and the mining industry. We are fully committed to restoring the affected environment as quickly as possible.”
Chinese mining operations in Zambia and nearby nations have often been criticized for environmental and labor violations, despite their economic contributions. These mines have faced allegations of disregarding safety and environmental regulations, inciting discontent among local communities.
Zambia is under significant financial strain, owing over $4 billion to China and having restructured loans after defaulting on repayments in 2020. Following the Sino-Metals incident, authorities uncovered another acid leak at a smaller Chinese-owned mine, where allegations of attempting to obscure the leak arose. A worker at this site tragically died after falling into an acid pool, leading to arrests of two Chinese managers.
Both mines have now been ordered to cease operations, sparking considerable outrage among Zambians. Environmental engineer Mweene Himwinga noted, “This highlights the negligence of some investors when it comes to protecting the environment… It’s deeply concerning because this is our home—the only land we have.”
The acid leak incident at the Chinese-operated copper mine in Zambia signifies a severe environmental crisis, posing grave risks to public health and local ecosystems. The government’s swift response and international assistance are crucial in addressing this disaster and preventing future occurrences. The increasing scrutiny on Chinese mining practices underscores the need for stricter regulations to protect the environment and local communities from similar catastrophes in the future.
Original Source: www.downtoearth.org.in
