Zambia's Kafue River Devastated by Acid Spill from Chinese-Owned Mine

A tailings dam collapse released 50 million liters of toxic waste, threatening millions who rely on the river for water, food, and livelihoods.

The February 18 collapse of a tailings dam at Sino-Metals Leach Zambia caused a massive acid spill into the Kafue River, releasing 50 million liters of waste containing concentrated acid, heavy metals, and dissolved solids.
The spill has resulted in widespread environmental damage, including dead fish, disappearing birdlife, and destroyed crops, with contamination detected at least 60 miles downstream.
The Kafue River, a lifeline for 60% of Zambia's population, provides drinking water, irrigation, and industrial water for millions, including 700,000 residents of Kitwe, where water supplies have been shut off.
Zambia's government is deploying lime to neutralize the acid and has ordered Sino-Metals to fund cleanup efforts, while the mine's chairman has apologized and pledged to restore the environment.
The incident has intensified criticism of Chinese-owned mines in Zambia, highlighting concerns over environmental negligence and strained relations due to Zambia's $4 billion debt to China.