Zambia’s Kafue River Devastated by Mining Acid Spill
A significant acid spill from a Chinese-owned copper mine has polluted the Kafue River in Zambia, raising concerns for millions who depend on this water source. Following the dam collapse, 50 million liters of toxic waste flowed into the river system. The spill has devastated agriculture, particularly for local farmers, prompting health warnings against consuming river fish.
The authorities and environmentalists in Zambia are expressing significant concern regarding the prolonged effects of an acid spill from a Chinese-owned mining operation, which has contaminated the Kafue River—an essential water source for millions. Initially detected over 100 kilometers downstream, this contamination has raised urgent fears of extensive environmental degradation.
The distressing incident transpired on February 18, when a tailings dam at a copper mine in northern Zambia collapsed. The Engineering Institution of Zambia reported that this breach unleashed approximately 50 million liters of waste, which included concentrated acid, heavy metals, and dissolved solids, into a nearby stream linked to the Kafue River.
Environmental activist Chilekwa Mumba characterized this event as an environmental disaster with potentially catastrophic ramifications, particularly for communities that rely on the river for their sustenance. He highlighted that local agriculture has been adversely affected, as many farmers were approaching harvest time, stating, “What they had invested in has been washed away.”
In the wake of the spill, distressing imagery of dead fish along the riverbanks surfaced, while local farmers reported extensive damage to crops, particularly maize and groundnuts. The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock issued a public advisory on February 23, warning against the consumption of any fish from the Kafue River or other impacted streams.
Local farmer Juliet Bulaya recounted the moment she witnessed the waste flow through 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 lamented. Although the breach was rectified on February 19 and the harmful discharge has been curtailed, the overall implications—encompassing environmental, economic, and human impacts—remain largely uncertain.
In conclusion, the acid spill from a mining operation in Zambia has raised serious concerns about the contamination of the Kafue River, affecting the livelihoods of millions. The incident has had detrimental effects on local agriculture and aquatic life, prompting public health advisories against consuming fish from the affected waterways. While repairs have been made, the full extent of the damage is yet to be determined, highlighting the urgent need for continued monitoring and support for the impacted communities.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
