An acid leak from a Chinese-operated mine in Zambia has resulted in severe river pollution, impacting water supplies and local ecosystems. The Zambian government is taking immediate emergency measures, seeking expert assistance, while local communities express outrage at the mining practices contributing to this disaster. Investigation into the leak is ongoing, alongside efforts for a comprehensive cleanup by the responsible firm, Sino-Metals Leach Zambia.
An acid leak at a Chinese-operated copper mine in Zambia has created a significant environmental crisis, affecting approximately 50 million litres of toxic waste since the dam collapse on February 18. Pollution has been reported over 100 kilometres downstream, jeopardizing both people and wildlife that depend on the Kafue River, Zambia’s primary waterway.
Environmental activist Chilekwa Mumba described the incident as “an environmental tragedy with severe implications.” The river is crucial not only for the local ecosystem but also for the sustenance of nearly 60 percent of Zambia’s 20 million population, impacting agriculture, fishing, and drinking water supplies.
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has sought expert assistance to address the crisis, while the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation confirmed severe damage, including crop destruction along the riverbanks. Residents have witnessed a dramatic decline in the river’s ecosystem, with reports of dead fish, prompting emergency measures from the government to drop lime into the river to neutralize the acid.
Sino-Metals Leach Zambia, the responsible company, has committed to funding the cleanup process. Chairman Zhang Peiwen acknowledged the situation’s seriousness, calling it a wake-up call for the mining industry. However, criticisms regarding environmental responsibility persist, particularly given China’s dominant role in Zambia’s mining sector.
In addition to this incident, another recent leak at a smaller Chinese mine has raised further concerns, accentuating issues of safety and transparency within the industry. Following the accidents, operations at both mines have been halted, underlining widespread anger among the Zambian populace regarding ongoing environmental neglect by foreign investors.
The recent acid leak at a Chinese-operated copper mine in Zambia underscores critical environmental and safety concerns within the mining sector. The Kafue River, which serves as a vital resource for millions, is facing severe contamination that threatens local communities and ecosystems. Although the government and the mining company have initiated cleanup efforts, the long-term implications necessitate a reevaluation of managerial practices within foreign-owned enterprises in Zambia’s natural resource industries. Proactive measures are crucial for ensuring environmental protection and accountability moving forward.
Original Source: www.downtoearth.org.in
