The Zambian government is investigating a chemical spill in its Copperbelt Province allegedly linked to Konkola Copper Mines (KCM), owned by U.K.-based multinational Vedanta Resources. Residents in Chingola district observed discoloration of the Kafue River and fish die-off on September 28. Gilbert Siame, Zambia’s minister of Green Economy and Environment, stated the incident was caused by a leaking pipe at KCM’s tailings leach plant and an overflow from the company’s pollution control dam.
Tests conducted by the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA), KCM, and the local water utility showed elevated levels of turbidity and conductivity downstream along the Kafue River. KCM contested its responsibility for the spillage, stating that company officials reported the incident to ZEMA and requested a fact-based investigation.
Source: Mongabay