Zambia - February 2025
Dam collapse causes catastrophic environmental disaster
On 18 February, a tailings dam collapsed at a Chinese-owned copper mine in Northern Zambia, releasing more than 50 million litres of toxic waste into the ecosystem of the Kafue River, causing widespread environmental damage. The Kafue River basin is home to approximately 12 million Zambians, who are dependent on the river for fishing, irrigation and industry. The spillage was reported to have shut off the supply of water to half a million people, as well as contaminating crops and poisoning fish and livestock. A preliminary investigation into the disaster by Zambian engineers pointed to potential negligence on the part of mine owners, Sino Metals Leach Zambia, but also highlighted regulatory weaknesses.
Sources: Mining News Zambia, Daily Maverick, Politico, Zambia Monitor
