Authorities in Zambia are scrambling to contain the fallout from a massive acid spill at a Chinese-owned mine, which has polluted a major river and sparked fears of long-term environmental and public health consequences. The spill, which occurred on February 18 when a tailings dam collapsed at a copper mine in the north of the country, has sent toxic waste over 100 kilometers downstream, raising concerns for millions of people who depend on the river.
Investigators from the Engineering Institution of Zambia reported that approximately 50 million liters of acidic waste, heavy metals, and dissolved solids flowed into a tributary that feeds into the Kafue River—Zambia’s most vital waterway. The river supports fishing, agriculture, and industry, providing drinking water to about five million people, including in the capital, Lusaka.
‘A River Died Overnight’
Shocking images have emerged showing dead fish floating along the Kafue’s banks, with residents reporting an eerie silence where birdlife once thrived. “Prior to the 18th of February, this was a vibrant and alive river,” said local resident Sean Cornelius. “Now everything is dead, it’s like a totally dead river. Unbelievable. Overnight, this river died.”
The Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation has warned that the contamination could spread further as toxic chemicals seep into the groundwater, threatening communities along the river’s vast 1,500-kilometer stretch. The acid leak has already caused a complete shutdown of water supply to Kitwe, a city of 700,000 people near the affected mine.
Efforts to Contain the Damage
In a desperate bid to neutralize the acidity, the Zambian government has deployed the air force to drop hundreds of tons of lime into the river. Speed boats have also been dispatched to distribute lime along the contaminated waterway.
Government spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa called the situation “very serious” and confirmed that Sino-Metals Leach Zambia, the mine’s operator, would bear the costs of the cleanup. The company, majority-owned by China Nonferrous Metals Industry Group, has come under scrutiny for its role in the disaster.
Zhang Peiwen, chairman of Sino-Metals Leach Zambia, met with government officials this week and issued a public apology. “This disaster has rung a big alarm for Sino-Metals Leach and the mining industry,” he said, vowing to “restore the affected environment as quickly as possible.”
Growing Discontent Over Chinese Mining Operations
The incident has reignited concerns over the environmental impact of Chinese mining operations in Zambia. China, which dominates Zambia’s copper industry, has long faced criticism for safety lapses and regulatory violations in its mining activities.
Public frustration has only grown after a second acid leak was discovered at another Chinese-owned mine in Zambia’s Copperbelt region just days after the Sino-Metals spill. Authorities say the smaller mine attempted to cover up the leak, and police have arrested two Chinese mine managers after a worker fell into acid and died.
Both mines have now been ordered to halt operations as investigations continue.
Zambia’s Environmental Future at Risk
As Zambia grapples with the aftermath of the spill, environmental activists warn of a looming catastrophe. “This is an environmental disaster of catastrophic consequences,” said Chilekwa Mumba, an activist based in the Copperbelt Province.
Zambia remains one of the world’s top 10 copper producers, with the industry playing a crucial role in its economy. However, as toxic waste spreads along the Kafue, many Zambians are left questioning whether the benefits of foreign investment are worth the price of ecological destruction.
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