https://www.linkedin.com/posts/conservezim-conservezim-402997277_chinese-owned-copper-mine-in-zambia-experiences-activity-7299027186462679040-1vJ0?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios&rcm=ACoAAEOZZoIBX1-7rFcrw04ZfUeUPSSwOOU74oo. Chinese-Owned Copper Mine in Zambia Experiences Acid Leach   John Cassim   The Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) has reported an acid leach incident following the collapse of a tailings storage dam at the Chinese-owned SINO METALS Leach Zambia Limited on February 18th.   Approximately 75% of the leach residue from the tailings leach plant (TLP) was discharged into the environment. This material, a by-product of copper extraction, contains residual acid.   "ZEMA conducted investigations and assessments today to determine the cause and extent of the pollution. The pollution has reached the Mwambashi River near the Garneton area but has not yet affected the Kafue River," ZEMA stated in a press release issued on February 19th.   Lime is being applied at three points—Sabina bridge, the NFCA new dam discharge point, and the NFCA discharge point into the Mwambashi River—to neutralize the acid. As of midday today, 250 tonnes of lime had been used, and the pH level in the Mwambashi River ranged from 1.8 to 2.5.   The spill has resulted in the death of hundreds of fish and has also damaged maize and groundnut fields in nearby communities.   ZEMA is still assessing the extent of this damage for potential compensation.   As of today the discharge has since been contained using waste rock and laterite.   "The following stakeholders assisted with the response: NFCA, CCs, Neelkanth Lime, the District Commissioner's office, the Councillor's office, the Office of the President, Nkana Water and Sanitation Company, the District Agriculture Coordinator, the Mine Safety Department, WARMA, and the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit.   An additional team of inspectors from ZEMA's Lusaka office has been dispatched to reinforce the Ndola team's on-site assessments and water quality monitoring," ZEMA indicated.   SINO METALS Leach Zambia Limited is a licensed company producing copper cathodes.   The company operates an open-pit mine, a concentrator plant, an overburden dump, a waste rock dump, tailings storage dams, a solvent extraction and electrowinning plant, and a copper leaching plant.   The company holds a ZEMA decision letter for operating a leach plant and environmental licenses for managing hazardous waste, pollutant emissions, and chemicals.   Heavy rains, attributed to La Niña, have affected several mining operations in the region, including the Cambria 4 Mine in Masvingo, Zimbabwe, which was ordered to cease operations after its tailings dam spilled.   The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) reported that the slurry spill, containing cyanide and sodium hydroxide, caused the death of numerous fish and livestock.