Zambia faces Environmental catastrophe after Acid spill in Major River

Authorities and environmentalists in Zambia are raising alarm over the long-term consequences of a devastating acid spill at a Chinese-owned mine, which contaminated a major river and now threatens millions of people. Signs of pollution have been detected at least 100 kilometers (60 miles) downstream, raising fears of a widespread environmental crisis.

The spill occurred on February 18 when a tailings dam at the Sino Metals copper mine collapsed, releasing approximately 50 million liters of acidic waste, heavy metals, and dissolved solids into a stream connected to the Kafue River, Zambia’s most vital waterway. The Engineering Institution of Zambia confirmed the findings, calling it one of the worst environmental disasters in recent history.

Livelihoods and Ecosystem Destroyed

Environmental activist Chilekwa Mumba described the situation as catastrophic. “Sino Metals has polluted a river on which millions depend for their livelihoods. Farmers’ soil is disturbed, and with just two months to harvest, their entire investment has been lost,” he said.

Local communities have already suffered heavy losses. Footage from the affected area shows piles of dead fish along the riverbank, while maize and groundnut fields have been damaged.

Sean Cornileus, a local resident, described the shocking transformation of the river: “Before February 18, this was a vibrant and alive river. Now everything is dead—it’s like a totally dead river. Unbelievable.”

The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock issued a public advisory on February 23, warning residents not to consume fish from the Kafue River or nearby streams due to contamination risks.

Juliet Bulaya, a local fish farmer, shared her distress: “I saw the lime waste flowing into my fish pond. All the fish were swept away. I just stood in agony, wondering what to do about the money I had invested in the project.”

Extent of Damage Still Unknown

Although the dam breach was repaired on February 19 and the discharge of waste was controlled, the full extent of the disaster’s human, economic, and ecological impact remains uncertain. Experts warn that heavy metals and acid residue in the water could have long-term consequences for both aquatic life and farming communities that depend on the Kafue River.

Authorities are now under pressure to hold Sino Metals accountable and implement measures to prevent future disasters. Meanwhile, affected residents remain in distress, uncertain of how they will recover from the damage caused by the spill.