The damage could affect millions of people after signs of contamination were detected more than 100 kilometers downstream.

The event occurred on February 18 when a dam containing acidic waste from a copper mine in the north of the country collapsed, causing deposits containing concentrated chemical waste, dissolved solids and heavy metals to flow into a stream that links to the Kafue River.

Environmental activist Chilekwa Mumba denounced that for the local communities, all their livelihoods have been destroyed, as they are farmers and their land is affected, so it is considered an environmental disaster with catastrophic consequences.

Meanwhile, dead fish can be seen all along the river bank and there is already damage to the corn and nut fields of the local communities.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock has issued an advisory, banning the consumption of fish from the Kafue River or other contaminated streams.

Zambia is one of the world’s top ten producers of copper, a major component in smart phones and other technologies.

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