The China in Africa Podcast
Zambia’s Kafue River Disaster Puts China’s Mining Record Under Fire
Apr 18, 2025
Freeman Chiwele Mubanga, a Zambian environmental researcher, and Obert Bore, a Transitional Minerals Editor at CGSP, dive into the aftermath of a catastrophic tailings dam collapse at a Chinese-owned mine in Zambia. They discuss the spill’s alarming release of acid waste into the Kafue River, which impacts millions. The conversation highlights the urgent need for accountability from both the Zambian government and the mining company, reflecting broader concerns about China’s environmental track record and the necessity for sustainable governance in Africa's resource sector.
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Quick takeaways
- The Kafue River disaster in Zambia underscores the urgent need for improved environmental oversight and accountability in Chinese mining operations.
- Growing civil society movements in Zambia reflect a demand for legal reforms that empower communities to seek justice against environmental negligence.
Deep dives
Geopolitical Dynamics of Critical Minerals
Critical minerals have emerged as essential components in global geopolitics, largely due to their influence on technologies and industries. China’s dominance in the supply and processing of rare earth elements poses significant challenges for nations like the United States, which highly depend on these materials. Recent export restrictions by China on certain minerals are making negotiations around tariffs increasingly complex, pushing the U.S. to explore sourcing options from countries such as Brazil and Vietnam. These shifts not only impact the U.S. but could also lead to increased investment opportunities for smaller nations in the Global South, particularly as they strategize their positions within the evolving geopolitical landscape.
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