Devastating toxic spill seen as test of whether African countries will stand up to China

A tailings dam at the Chinese-owned Sino-Metals Leach Zambia copper mine collapsed in February, releasing a large toxic spill into a tributary of the Kafue River in northern Zambia. The spill, estimated by the government at 50,000 tonnes but potentially much larger, contaminated waterways and farmland with heavy metals, killing fish, destroying crops, and rendering water undrinkable. Concerns are rising that the rainy season will exacerbate the pollution, potentially impacting Lusaka, the capital. While the Chinese embassy disputes the extent of the damage and welcomes an investigation, the incident raises questions about environmental oversight and the balance between economic benefits and environmental protection in African nations dealing with Chinese investment. The mine provides over 2,000 jobs, putting local workers and the Zambian government in a difficult position.

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