Acid Spill from Chinese Mine Contaminates Zambia's Kafue River

A catastrophic acid spill from a Chinese-owned copper mine in Zambia has severely polluted the Kafue River, threatening the livelihoods of millions of residents who rely on this vital waterway. The incident, initiated by the collapse of a tailings dam on February 18, released approximately 50 million liters of toxic waste containing heavy metals and dissolved solids into the river. Local authorities, including President Hakainde Hichilema, have declared the situation a crisis, noting the immediate decimation of aquatic life and the disruption of water supplies for agriculture and drinking. The spill has led to the complete shutdown of water services in nearby Kitwe, affecting around 700,000 people, and has caused visible die-offs of fish along the river for up to 100 kilometers downstream. Environmentalists warn that the long-term consequences could irreversibly alter the ecological balance of the region, which is home to 60% of Zambia's population. The mine's owner, Sino-Metals Leach Zambia, has expressed regret and committed to restoring the affected environment.