Zambia’s Environmental Crisis: Catastrophic River Pollution from Copper Mine Leak

Zambia faces an environmental disaster following a significant leak of 50 million liters of acid and heavy metals from a Chinese-operated copper mine. The pollution has devastated local agriculture, caused fish deaths, and threatens the livelihoods of millions reliant on the Kafue River for access to clean water. Local activists and government officials are calling for urgent action to address the crisis.

Zambia is confronting a significant environmental crisis following a substantial leak at a copper mine. This incident, attributed to a Chinese company controlling the mine, has resulted in severe crop destruction and the discovery of numerous dead fish. The leak has released approximately 50 million liters of waste containing acid and heavy metals into local waterways, raising serious concerns about the long-term ecological impact on the region.

The acid contamination originated from a copper mine owned by Nonferrous Metals Industry Group, a state-run Chinese firm. Environmental authorities warn that the pollution has been traced at least 100 kilometers downstream from the source and may affect millions of residents who rely on the Kafue River, a crucial water resource for Zambia.

Chilekwa Mumba, a dedicated Zambian environmental activist, characterized the situation as “a real environmental disaster with catastrophic consequences.” In response to the crisis, President Hakainde Hichilema has reached out to the Chinese company, seeking assistance to address the leak’s hazardous effects on both the local populace and wildlife dependent on the Kafue River.

Residents near the river have expressed their despair. Sean Cornelius remarked, “Now everything is dead, it’s like a completely dead river. It’s unbelievable. Overnight, this river died,” illustrating the immediacy and gravity of the situation that appears to destroy the river’s ecosystem overnight.

This incident highlights the urgency of addressing environmental hazards posed by industrial activities. With the significant spill of acid and heavy metals into the Kafue River, both local agriculture and public health are jeopardized. The Zambian government, alongside international cooperation, must prioritize solutions to mitigate the damage and prevent future occurrences to safeguard the environmental well-being of its citizens.

Original Source: eadaily.com