Event: Last month, a tailings dam failure at the Sino-Metals mine, owned by a Chinese company, resulted in the discharge of 50 million liters of acidic waste into Zambia's Kafue River. This incident led to the death of wildlife and posed a risk to the water supply of 12 million individuals. To mitigate the impact, the government has mobilized the air force to distribute lime in the affected area.
Significance: The catastrophe has prompted a complete halt of water services in Kitwe, affecting 700,000 residents, and poses a threat to the drinking water sources of 5 million people. The spill has raised significant concerns regarding the safety protocols of Chinese mining operations within Zambia.