Zambia's Kafue River Contaminated After Acid Spill

A catastrophic acid spill from a Chinese-owned copper mine in Zambia has contaminated the Kafue River, raising severe environmental concerns. Occurring on February 18, the spill resulted from the collapse of a tailings dam, releasing approximately 50 million liters of toxic waste, which has already been detected 100 kilometers downstream. Environmental activists and authorities warn that the pollution threatens the livelihoods of millions of residents who depend on the river for water, agriculture, and fishing. Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has called for expert assistance, while local communities report devastating impacts, including dead fish and destroyed crops. The government is currently deploying measures to neutralize the acid, but fears persist about long-term contamination of the ecosystem. This incident has intensified scrutiny of Chinese mining operations, known for lax safety standards, in a country heavily reliant on copper production.