Zambia has ordered its largest copper mine to halt part of production after a spill polluted local water supplies for thousands of residents, reports BBC online.
Konkola Copper Mines was told to shut its leaching plant after it contaminated a river providing water to more than 50,000 people in Chingola.
The town is without running water after local companies say they cut supplies because it was too dangerous to drink.
Residents first noticed problems when fish started dying in the river.
Then the water turned a thick blue colour, and gave off an unusual odour.
Water companies turned off their pumps earlier this week and there is no running water in the town.
