In Kitwe, Zambia, a grave environmental concern has arisen due to a significant acid spill from a Chinese-owned copper mine, with potential effects on millions of people. The spill, which occurred on February 18, was caused by the collapse of a tailings dam at the mine, releasing approximately 50 million liters of acidic and metal-laden waste into nearby waterways that feed into the Kafue River, one of Zambia’s vital water sources.
The leakage has alarmed both Zambian authorities and environmentalists due to its devastating potential. Environmental activist Chilekwa Mumba highlighted the disaster’s catastrophic consequences. Copper is a crucial export for Zambia, a leading player in global copper production, with Chinese enterprises acting as key operators in the sector.
Zambia’s President, Hakainde Hichilema, has acknowledged the severity of the situation, stressing the necessity for expert intervention as the crisis endangers ecosystems and residents along the extensive Kafue River course. Investigations are ongoing to assess the full environmental impact.
Witness accounts describe severe ecological damage; an inspection of the Kafue River revealed dead fish along the banks around 100 kilometers downstream of the mine, managed by Sino-Metals Leach Zambia, principally owned by the China Nonferrous Metals Industry Group. The incident has not only annihilated aquatic life but also affected crops along the river’s margins. Concerns persist over groundwater contamination as the waste seeps further afield.
Around 60% of Zambia’s population depends on the Kafue River for activities ranging from fishing and agriculture to industrial purposes. The river supplies potable water to millions, including those in Lusaka, the nation’s capital. The mine’s acid leak led to an immediate suspension of the water supply in the nearby city of Kitwe, affecting its 700,000 residents.
In response, the Zambian government has been active in countermeasures, including launching lime into the river via air force deployment and speed boats to neutralize the acid. According to government spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa, Sino-Metals Leach Zambia will finance the cleanup efforts, acknowledging the grave nature of the event.
Zhang Peiwen, chairman of Sino-Metals Leach Zambia, met with local officials to apologize for the spill, committing the company to vigorous restorative measures. The environmental fallout has intensified scrutiny on Chinese mining activities within Zambia and neighboring countries, given their pivotal role in mineral extraction amid widespread criticism over operational practices, including safety and environmental compliance.
Additional incidents compound the concern. A minor acid spill from another Chinese-operated mine emerged days following the initial disaster, raising alarm over the sector’s accountability and operational transparency. A tragedy at this second site claimed a worker’s life, leading to arrests and suspension of operations at both mines.
The local populace has expressed anger over investor apathy toward environmental stewardship. Mweene Himwinga, an environmental engineer present at the recent discussions, criticized the negligent attitude of some foreign investors, emphasizing the lasting impact on Zambia’s natural resources and community wellbeing.
