Kafue River of Zambia ‘Died’ Overnight Following Massive Acidic Waste Spill from Chinese-Owned Copper Mine

Kafue River of Zambia river ‘died’ overnight after an acidic waste spill

Kafue River of Zambia Suffers Catastrophic Impact Following Massive Acidic Waste Spill from Chinese-Owned Copper Mine

A disastrous acid spill originating from a Chinese-operated copper mine in Zambia has severely polluted a crucial river, raising serious concerns about long-term ecological damage and potential risks to millions of individuals.

This environmental catastrophe, which transpired on February 18, has sent ripples of alarm across the southern African nation.

According to findings from the Engineering Institution of Zambia, the disaster was triggered by the structural failure of a tailings dam within the mining site. This facility, designed to hold back hazardous acidic waste, collapsed, unleashing approximately 50 million litres of toxic effluent into a stream that ultimately feeds into the Kafue River, one of Zambia’s most vital waterways.

This spill introduced a hazardous mix of highly concentrated acid, dissolved solids, and heavy metals into the water system.

Spanning over 930 miles (1,500 kilometres) through Zambia’s core, the Kafue River supports an extensive ecosystem and serves as a primary water source for millions. The contamination has already been recorded over 60 miles downstream from the spill location, amplifying fears about the prolonged consequences for both human and wildlife populations.

Environmental activist Chilekwa Mumba, operating within Zambia’s Copperbelt Province, described the spill as "an environmental disaster really of catastrophic consequences".

This incident highlights the hazards tied to mining activities, particularly in regions where Chinese corporations exert substantial control over the copper industry.

As one of the world's leading ten copper producers, Zambia plays a crucial role in supplying this essential metal, which is key to manufacturing modern technology, including smartphones.

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has called for international expertise to help tackle the crisis. The full scope of the environmental destruction remains under evaluation.

Kafue River of Zambia Suffers Catastrophic Impact Following Massive Acidic Waste Spill 

A River Transformed Overnight

An Associated Press journalist visited segments of the Kafue River, where the grim sight of dead fish washing up on its banks was evident about 60 miles from the Sino-Metals Leach Zambia mine—majority owned by the state-run China Nonferrous Metals Industry Group.

The Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation reported that the "devastating consequences" also encompassed widespread destruction of crops lining the riverbanks. Officials are increasingly concerned that the contaminants may seep into groundwater sources, potentially spreading to further areas.

“Prior to February 18 this was a vibrant and alive river,” said Sean Cornelius, a resident living close to the Kafue River, who observed the immediate disappearance of birdlife and mass fish fatalities.

“Now everything is dead, it's like a totally dead river. Unbelievable. Overnight, this river died.”

Approximately 60% of Zambia’s 20 million citizens reside within the Kafue River basin, depending on it for fishing, agricultural irrigation, and industrial water needs. The river also supplies drinking water to around five million people, including residents in the capital, Lusaka.

As a result of the acid spill, the city of Kitwe, home to roughly 700,000 individuals, experienced a complete water supply shutdown.

Efforts to Mitigate the Damage

The Zambian government has taken urgent action, deploying the air force to distribute vast quantities of lime into the river in an attempt to neutralize the acid and mitigate the damage. Speedboats have also been mobilized to distribute the lime throughout the affected waterway.

Government spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa emphasized the severity of the situation, affirming that Sino-Metals Leach Zambia would be held financially accountable for the cleanup operation.

During a meeting with government officials, Zhang Peiwen, the chairman of Sino-Metals Leach Zambia, expressed regret over the incident, as confirmed by a transcript of his remarks released by his company.

“This disaster has rung a big alarm for Sino-Metals Leach and the mining industry,” he stated.

It “will go all out to restore the affected environment as quickly as possible”, he added.

Growing Resentment Towards Chinese Mining Operations

China's extensive mining investments in resource-rich regions of Africa, including Zambia and its neighbors, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zimbabwe, have frequently come under scrutiny due to environmental concerns. Despite these resources being economically significant, mining operations have faced criticism for inadequate adherence to safety and environmental regulations.

In Zambia, Chinese-owned copper mines have often been accused of neglecting critical safety, labor, and environmental protections while seeking dominance in the sector, leading to mounting dissatisfaction among locals.

The nation also faces a substantial debt burden, owing more than $4 billion to China. In 2020, Zambia defaulted on its loan repayments and subsequently restructured some of its debts to China and other creditors.

Adding to the controversy, a smaller acid leak was detected at another Chinese-run mine in Zambia’s Copperbelt region just days after the Sino-Metals disaster. Authorities accused the mine of attempting to conceal the spill.

Local law enforcement reported that a worker at the second mine tragically lost his life after falling into acid. Despite official directives to halt operations, the mine allegedly continued functioning. As a result, police arrested two Chinese managers.

Both mines have since been shut down by Zambian authorities, but widespread public outrage persists.

“It really just brings out the negligence that some investors actually have when it comes to environmental protection,” said Mweene Himwinga, an environmental engineer who attended the meeting with Mr. Zhang and government officials.

“They don’t seem to have any concern at all, any regard at all. And I think it’s really worrying because at the end of the day, we as Zambian people, (it's) the only land we have.”