Acid Spill at Chinese-Owned Mine Devastates Key Zambian River
A major river in Zambia suffers catastrophic damage after a tailings dam collapse at a Chinese mine spills 50 million liters of acidic waste.
Subscribe to unlock this story
We really don't like cutting you off, but you've reached your monthly limit. At just $3/month or $30/year, subscriptions are how we keep this project going. Start your free 7-day trial today!
Get Started
The environmental impact of China's large mining interests in mineral-rich parts of Africa, which include Zambia's neighbors Congo and Zimbabwe, has often been criticized, even as the minerals are crucial to the countries' economies.
A river ‘died' in Zambia after an acidic waste spill at a Chinese-owned mine
ABC News·1M·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.The environmental impact of China’s large mining interests in mineral-rich parts of Africa, which include Zambia’s neighbors Congo and Zimbabwe, has often been criticized, even as the minerals are crucial to the countries’ economies.
A river ‘died' overnight in Zambia after an acidic waste spill at a Chinese-owned mine
Associated Press·1M·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
The environmental impact of China's large mining interests in mineral-rich parts of Africa, which include Zambia's neighbors Congo and Zimbabwe, has often been criticized, even as the minerals are crucial to the countries' economies.
A River 'died' Overnight in Zambia after an Acidic Waste Spill at a Chinese-owned Mine
Newsmax·1M·Mixed ReliableThis source has a mixed track record—sometimes accurate but also prone to bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting.RightThis outlet favors right-wing views.
Summary
An acid spill from a collapsed tailings dam at a Chinese-owned copper mine in Zambia has contaminated the Kafue River, threatening wildlife and water supplies for millions. The spill, which occurred on February 18, released 50 million liters of waste, prompting a crisis response from the government. Environmentalists call it catastrophic, as the river's ecosystems are devastated, and water supplies to Kitwe have been shut down. The Zambian government has initiated a cleanup, demanding accountability from the mine's owners. This incident raises concerns about environmental practices in Chinese mining operations in the region.
Perspectives
The acid spill at the Chinese-owned mine has caused significant environmental damage, threatening local wildlife and human populations dependent on the Kafue River.
Zambian authorities have taken decisive action, including deploying the air force for cleanup efforts, and demanding accountability from Sino-Metals Leach Zambia for the disaster.
The situation highlights ongoing concerns about environmental regulations and safety practices among foreign mining companies operating in Zambia.