#307 China's African Disaster: Mining Waste Leak Turns Zambia River Dead Overnight

A devastating environmental disaster has struck Zambia, where a mining waste leak from a Chinese-owned mine has turned a river "dead overnight" ¹. The Sino-Metals Leach Zambia dam disaster occurred on February 18, 2025, releasing approximately 50 million liters of acidic and highly toxic waste into the Kafue River ecosystem. This catastrophic event has destroyed riverine and coastal ecosystems up to 100 km downstream, impacting the water and irrigation supply of 60% of Zambia's population. The disaster has raised concerns about the safety and environmental record of Chinese-owned mines in Africa. The Zambian government has launched an investigation into the incident, and there are calls for greater accountability and transparency in the mining industry. The long-term consequences of this disaster are still unknown, but it's clear that the impact on the environment and local communities will be severe and lasting ¹.