Breaking News! CAZ Efforts Contribute to Cancellation of Proposed Mining Project in Luangwa

In a landmark decision, ZEMA has halted a large-scale mining project in Luangwa District.

In a major victory for environmental conservation in Zambia, Conservation Advocates Zambia (CAZ) and other concerned CSOs and individuals in the Save Zambezi Safe Zambezi coalition welcome the decision by The Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) to halt the proposed large-scale mining activities by Mwembeshi Resources Limited in the Lower Zambezi National Park in Luangwa District. 

ZEMA announced yesterday that a Decision Letter from 2021, which initially allowed activities proposed by Mwembeshi Resources Limited to commence, has been revoked. 

The decision to cancel the mining project was based on Mwembeshi Resources Limited’s non-compliance with several critical conditions stipulated in the Decision Letter:

• Failure to implement the project and uphold all environmental management commitments as outlined in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), including changes mandated by ZEMA and subsequent amendments
• Neglecting to submit a detailed design for the Tailings Storage Facility (TSF) to ZEMA and the Mines Safety Department before project commencement
• Unauthorised erection of permanent structures within the National Park, in violation of the requirement for written approval from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife.
• Non-compliance with the obligation to employ the Best Available Technology and Best Environmental Practises throughout the project’s lifecycle.
• Failure to prepare and submit separate Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) for the source of process water, fuel storage facility, and sewage treatment
• Clearance of vegetation beyond designated construction or installation sites, contrary to the stipulation for restricted clearing.
• Inadequate submission of a comprehensive monitoring programme to ZEMA for approval.
• Disregard for relevant authorizations, including those prescribed by Acts of Parliament such as the Forests Act No. 4 of 2015, the Water Resources Management Act No. 21 of 2011, and the Energy Regulation Act No. 12 of 2019.

In light of Mwembeshi Resources Limited’s failure to take satisfactory remedial actions as per ZEMA’s guidelines, the company is required to surrender the aforementioned Decision Letter to the Zambia Environmental Management Agency within fourteen days from the issuance of this Notice

“This is a major milestone, and we commend ZEMA for taking this bold step,” remarked CAZ’s Mehluli Malisa Batakathi. “This victory showcases the power of collective action in the face of environmental threats. We hope it sends a warning to all investors in every sector to comply with Zambian laws. We also understand that the mine has the right to appeal if they so wish. We will be following events closely and will continue, alongside our partners, to push for the eradication of mining in all protected areas.”

The cancellation of the mining project stands as a testament to the vital role that vigilant environmental stewardship plays in preserving the delicate balance of our ecosystems. As Zambia continues to navigate the delicate balance between development and conservation, this victory reverberates beyond its immediate impact, serving as a compelling testament to what can be achieved when individuals, organizations, and regulatory bodies unite in pursuit of a common cause.