An acid spill from a Chinese-owned copper mine has contaminated Zambia’s Kafue River, raising concerns over environmental and economic impacts for local communities. The spill, caused by a dam collapse, has led to the loss of crops and fish, prompting health advisories against consuming affected fish. The full extent of the damage is yet to be determined.
Zambia’s authorities and environmentalists are expressing grave concerns regarding the long-lasting ramifications of an acid spill from a Chinese-owned mine that has severely contaminated the Kafue River, which serves as a vital water source for millions. The contamination was first identified over 100 kilometers downstream, leading to increased apprehension about extensive environmental damage.
The environmental crisis unfolded on February 18, when a tailings dam at a copper mine in northern Zambia collapsed. According to the Engineering Institution of Zambia, this breach resulted in the release of approximately 50 million liters of waste, including concentrated acid, heavy metals, and dissolved solids, into a nearby stream connected to the Kafue River.
Environmental activist Chilekwa Mumba characterized the event as an environmental disaster with devastating consequences, particularly affecting local communities that rely on the river for their livelihoods. He noted that the spill has severely impacted local agriculture, especially since many farmers were approaching their harvest. “What they had invested in has been washed away,” remarked Mumba, highlighting the harm to both the soil and crops.
In the wake of the spill, distressing images surfaced depicting dead fish along the riverbanks, and local farmers reported extensive damage to their crops, most notably maize and groundnuts. As a precaution, the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock issued a public advisory on February 23, advising individuals against consuming any fish from the Kafue River or other affected streams.
Juliet Bulaya, a local farmer, described witnessing the waste flow into her fish pond, resulting in the loss of her entire stock. “I just stood in agony, wondering what I would do about the money I spent on the project,” she expressed. Although the breach was repaired on February 19 and the harmful discharge has been controlled, the complete extent of the environmental, economic, and human impacts remains uncertain.
In summary, the acid spill from the copper mine in Zambia’s northern region has caused widespread concern regarding its environmental and economic ramifications along the Kafue River. The incident has devastated local agriculture, compromised community livelihoods, and resulted in severe ecological damage. Despite the immediate repair of the breach, the long-term effects of this crisis are still to be fully assessed, necessitating vigilance from authorities moving forward.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
