Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z) has called for a complete halt to the mining project in the Lower Zambezi National Park.
Development Diaries reports that the anti-corruption organisation, in a report, said it stands in solidarity with conservationists, civil society, host communities, and concerned citizens who have voiced their apprehensions about the proposed mining project.
It cited various issues which have tainted the processes, procedures, and developments associated with the mining project.
‘TI-Z, along with conservationists, environmental defenders, communities, and civil society, calls for a complete halt to the mining project in the Lower Zambezi National Park’, the organisation said.
‘The organisation also urges the Zambian government to enforce regulations that safeguard ecologically and environmentally sensitive areas, aligning with the administration’s vision of promoting a green economy’.
According to reports, the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) recently issued a compliance order to the mining company, resulting in the suspension of operations.
TI-Z noted that the opposition to mining in Lower Zambezi stems from the questionable process through which the mining licence and permits were granted.
It said the manner in which the licence was issued has raised suspicions and cast doubts on the project.
It is understood that ZEMA’s compliance order was specifically issued because the mining project failed to comply with the environmental stipulations outlined in the decision letter and did not submit an environmental restoration plan.
The organisation highlighted that the opposition to mining in Lower Zambezi stems from the questionable process through which the mining license and permits were granted.
It said the manner in which the licence was issued has raised suspicions and cast doubts on the project.
Executive Director of TI-Z, Maurice Nyambe, reiterated the organisation’s stance on the matter and emphasised the need for transparency and integrity in decision-making processes related to mining projects in Zambia.
According to the World Bank, many decades of unsustainable mining operations and inadequate rehabilitation or closure of mining sites have led to legacy mining pollution in Zambia.
The Environmental Council of Zambia cited land degradation, increased deforestation, water and air pollution from particles of sulphuric acid as concerns severely affecting those residing near mines.
Photo source: Lusaka Times
