Zambia’s Kafue River Devastated by Acid Spill from Mining Incident

The Kafue River in Zambia has been severely contaminated by an acid spill from a Chinese-owned mine, raising concerns about environmental damage and its impact on local communities. The spill, which released around 50 million liters of toxic waste, has devastated agriculture and fish populations, prompting public advisories against consuming affected fish. The long-term ramifications remain uncertain.

Authorities and environmentalists in Zambia express grave concern regarding the enduring effects of an acid spill originating from a Chinese-operated mine which has tainted the Kafue River. This river is a vital water source for millions. The contamination was first identified more than 100 kilometers downstream, sparking fears of extensive environmental harm.

The incident transpired on February 18, when a tailings dam at a copper mine in northern Zambia ruptured. The Engineering Institution of Zambia reported that approximately 50 million liters of waste, including concentrated acid and heavy metals, were discharged into a stream connected to the Kafue River following the breach.

Environmental activist Chilekwa Mumba characterized this event as an environmental disaster with severe repercussions for communities reliant on the river for sustenance. He noted that the impact on local agriculture has been catastrophic, particularly for farmers nearing harvest, stating, “What they had invested in has been washed away,” which highlights the damage inflicted on both the soil and crops.

Post-spill, unsettling images of deceased fish on the riverbanks surfaced, alongside reports from local farmers indicating significant losses in their crops, especially maize and groundnuts. The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock issued a public warning on February 23, advising citizens to refrain from consuming any fish from the Kafue River and other affected streams.

Local farmer Juliet Bulaya shared her distress as she witnessed toxic waste infiltrate her fish pond, leading to the loss of her entire stock. She expressed her anguish with, “I just stood in agony, wondering what I would do about the money I spent on the project.”

Although the breach was rectified on February 19, and measures to manage harmful residue discharges are now in place, the complete extent of the environmental, economic, and human impacts remains unclear.

In summary, the Kafue River acid spill has emerged as a severe environmental catastrophe with significant implications for local communities and agriculture. Despite efforts to control the immediate aftermath, the long-term effects of this incident are still being evaluated, marking a critical point in addressing mining practices and their consequences in Zambia.

Original Source: newscentral.africa