Context: Zambian officials are confronting the devastating fallout of an acid leak at a Chinese-operated mine, which has polluted a vital river and could impact millions of people.

Background: –

• The incident occurred on February 18 when a dam storing acidic waste from a copper mine in northern Zambia collapsed.
• Investigators estimate that around 50 million litres of waste, containing strong acid, dissolved solids, and heavy metals, flowed into a tributary linked to the Kafue River, Zambia’s most important waterway.

Key Points

• Zambian President has appealed for expert assistance, describing the spill as a crisis that endangers both people and wildlife along the Kafue River, which runs over 1,500 kilometres through the nation. 
• China dominates Zambia’s copper mining sector; Zambia is among the top 10 copper producers globally.
• Zambia is heavily indebted to China ($4 billion debt) and had to restructure loans after defaulting in 2020.
• Chinese-owned mines in Zambia have been criticized for poor environmental and safety standards.

About Zambia

• Location: Landlocked country in Southern Africa.
• Borders: Tanzania (N), Malawi (NE), Mozambique (SE), Zimbabwe (S), Botswana (S), Namibia (SW), Angola (W), DR Congo (NW).
• Capital: Lusaka

Geography & Natural Resources

• Major Rivers:
  • Zambezi River (forms Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage site).
  • Kafue River (key water source, recently polluted by mining spill).
  • Luangwa River (supports biodiversity & agriculture).
• Climate: Tropical Savanna (distinct wet and dry seasons).
• Copper (key economic driver) – Zambia is Africa’s 2nd largest copper producer (after DR Congo).

Source: Down To Earth