Catastrophic Acid Spill at Chinese-Owned Mine Contaminates Zambia's Kafue River

Zambia is facing a serious environmental crisis following a significant acid spill from a Chinese-owned copper mine, which released approximately 50 million liters of toxic waste into a stream connected to the Kafue River. This incident, which occurred on February 18, has raised alarm among authorities and environmentalists alike, as the Kafue River serves as a vital water source for approximately five million people and supports the livelihoods of about 60% of Zambia's 20 million population, according to the Associated Press. Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema described the situation as a crisis threatening both people and wildlife in the region. Dead fish have been reported at least 60 miles downstream, highlighting the immediate ecological impact. Environmental activist Chilekwa Mumba called the spill “an environmental disaster really of catastrophic consequences.” In response, the Zambian government has mobilized its air force to disperse hundreds of tons of lime in an attempt to neutralize the acid. The mine's management has acknowledged the incident and committed to funding the cleanup process, with Chairman Zhang Peiwen underscoring the importance of restoring the affected environment quickly. However, public concern remains high over the long-term effects on the Kafue watershed.