https://www.linkedin.com/posts/conservezim-conservezim-402997277_acid-leach-from-chinese-owned-copper-mine-activity-7300074043896991745-t_ch?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAEOZZoIBX1-7rFcrw04ZfUeUPSSwOOU74oo. Acid Leach From Chinese-Owned Copper Mine in Zambia Affects Kafue River 200km Away John Cassim Reports from Zambia indicate that an acid leach incident, triggered by the collapse of a tailings storage dam at the Chinese-owned SINO METALS Zambia Limited, last week, has impacted the Mwambashi and Kafue rivers, located more than 240km downstream. "It appears that a spill from the Chinese-owned Chambeshi mine has affected the Mwambashi and Kafue rivers. After testing some of the water here on the Kafue, I don’t see how any animal, fish, or water birds can survive this," a concerned environmentalist in Zambia revealed. Although the spill was contained two days after the collapse, its effects continue to cause significant damage downstream. Videos shown to ConserveZim demonstrate a major environmental disaster, exacerbated by ongoing heavy rains in the Southern African region. The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock has confirmed that water samples taken from the Kafue Bridge in Kitwe registered high acidity levels. "The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, in collaboration with relevant authorities, has confirmed severe water pollution in the Mwambashi stream and Kafue River on the Copperbelt, leading to mass fish deaths and posing serious risks to human and animal health. Preliminary assessments indicate dangerously low pH levels, with water samples from Kafue Bridge in Kitwe registering a pH of 3, confirming high acidity," Benny Munyama, Principal Public Relations Officer, stated. Munyama advised the public not to consume fish from the Kafue River or other polluted streams. "Let me assure members of the public that the Government will ensure that adequate compensation is provided to all affected people. Furthermore, the Government will ensure that Sino Metals is not only sanctioned according to existing legal provisions but also cleans up the polluted rivers. The Zambian public is assured that the Government of President Hakainde Hichilema will make every effort to ensure the public receives quality water supply," said the Minister of Water Development and Sanitation, Collins Nzovu. Minister Nzovu advocated for the shutdown of the Sino Metals Plant, immediate repair of the tailings dam to prevent further discharge of effluent, and containment of effluent discharge from the shared pollution control dam. He called for the continuous application of lime to neutralize the acidity in the water. To date, approximately 600 tonnes of lime have been applied, and pH levels have been rising steadily.