Mining to Commence in Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park Despite Environmental Concerns
Mwembeshi Resources Limited, the company granted a license to conduct copper mining in the Lower Zambezi national park, is expected to start production before the end of this year, according to Emmanuel Tembo, the Member of Parliament for FEIRA constituency.
Tembo confirmed that preparations for mining have progressed, with the first production set to take place this year. The decision by Zambia’s ruling UPND government to proceed with the mine has raised concerns among environmental experts who have called for a halt to the project.
They question how the country will benefit from the proposed mine when previous governments have failed to maximize the benefits of existing large-scale mines in other provinces.
Despite this, Mr. Tembo believes that it would be foolish for the country to remain impoverished when it has numerous mineral resources that could bring in greater wealth.
He decried the fact that the Lower Zambezi is rich in various minerals, yet its people still live in poverty. Tembo stresses that the commencement of actual mining in the area will increase revenue collection for the country and result in more businesses opening in the region.
The Lower Zambezi National Park, established in 1983, spans over 4,000 square kilometres and lies on the north bank of the Zambezi River in southeastern Zambia.
The proposed mine has reignited the age-old debate between mining for huge profits and the need to protect the environment, which the tourism sector has managed to handle better in the past.
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Do you have a mine management program in place. would like to send information on our program.