The China in Africa Podcast Zambia’s Kafue River Disaster Puts China’s Mining Record Under Fire
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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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Impact of Kafue River Spill
- The Kafue River spill released 50 million liters of acid waste, disrupting water supply for 60% of Zambia's population.
- It severely affected aquatic ecosystems, farmers, health, and caused widespread social-environmental damage.
Shared Negligence in Dam Collapse
- Both negligence by the Chinese company and governmental lapses in environmental monitoring caused the tailings dam collapse.
- Zambia's government lacks rigorous enforcement despite existing environmental laws and technical capacity for mining oversight.
Downstream and Cross-Border Threats
- The acid contaminates tributaries feeding the Zambezi River, threatening transboundary water systems affecting multiple countries.
- Without proper neutralization, ecological and cross-border diplomatic issues will worsen downstream.