On February 18, an embankment of a copper mine in Zambia collapsed, discharging 50 million liters of wastewater into the Mwambashi River. This disaster, caused by Sino-Metals Leach Zambia, has led to severe ecological and health risks, with the government initiating investigations. BirdWatch Zambia advocates for enhanced regulation and proactive measures to prevent future incidents.
On February 18th, an embankment retaining wastewater from a copper mining operation collapsed in Zambia, resulting in the discharge of over 50 million liters of toxic waste into the Mwambashi River. This river is a tributary of the Kafue River, which plays a crucial role in the region as Zambia’s longest river and is vital for many communities, particularly those dependent on the river for irrigation, fishing, and domestic usage.
The mine, managed by Sino-Metals Leach Zambia, is situated in Kitwe District, within the Copperbelt Province. The release of suspected highly acidic effluent has severely impacted local fish populations, destroyed crops, and disrupted water supplies for Kitwe and neighboring areas, posing significant health risks to both humans and wildlife. Approximately 60% of Zambia’s 20 million residents rely on the Kafue River Basin, making this incident exceptionally critical.
The Zambian government has acknowledged the destruction caused to agricultural fields, particularly those of maize and groundnuts, as well as the lethal effects on fish populations; however, the complete extent of the damage remains uncertain. The repercussions of this environmental disaster extend beyond immediate effects, threatening economic activities such as agriculture, fisheries, and eco-tourism, alongside the substantial costs associated with cleanup operations.
This calamity has triggered contamination of local water sources with hazardous heavy metals, resulting in the loss of aquatic life and disruption of ecosystems. The pollution could potentially lead to hazardous irrigation practices and bioaccumulation of toxins within the local food web, which presents long-term health risks to those dependent on these resources.
Notably, the affected region is situated within the Kafue Flats Key Biodiversity Area, a unique habitat supporting diverse wildlife, including the endemic Kafue lechwe and over 450 bird species, some of which are endangered. This ecological richness underscores the pressing need for preservation amid ongoing threats.
In light of this unprecedented incident, the Zambian government has initiated an independent investigation into the pollution affecting waterways in the Copperbelt region, driven by soaring concerns over environmental degradation linked to mining processes. BirdLife Partner BirdWatch Zambia has collaborated with a coalition of civil society organizations to express serious apprehensions regarding the pollution resulting from inadequately managed mining operations.
Mary Malasa, Program Manager at BirdWatch Zambia, articulated, “This is not the first time a disaster of this nature has occurred, and the level of damage witnessed—both to people and the environment—is unacceptable. Such incidents are preventable. While we commend the Zambian government for responding, a proactive approach is better than a reactive approach in preventing such disasters from happening in the first place.”
BirdWatch Zambia calls upon the Zambia Environmental Management Agency to bolster regulatory supervision and implement stringent measures to avert future incidents, urging that proactive management is essential for safeguarding communities and the environment.
The environmental disaster in Zambia due to the collapse of a mining wastewater embankment highlights significant ecological and social risks. The incident has revealed the detrimental impact on local health, agriculture, and ecosystems reliant on the Kafue River Basin. Urgent actions are warranted to strengthen regulatory oversight and ensure greater protective measures against similar future occurrences, emphasizing the importance of a proactive approach to environmental management.
Original Source: www.birdlife.org
