Zambia’s Govt Orders Cease of Mining Operations in Lower Zambezi National Park
Zambia’s government has taken action against Mwembeshi Resources Limited, instructing the company to halt all activities in the Lower Zambezi National Park due to non-compliance with the conditions outlined in the decision letter.
Minister of Green Economy and Environment Collins Nzovu,, expressed concern over the alleged commencement of mining operations by Mwembeshi Resources Limited in the park, prompting increased interest in the proposed large-scale mining project.
Minister Nzovu revealed that the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) has conducted multiple inspections and legal reviews, establishing that Mwembeshi Resources Limited has violated several conditions specified in the Environmental Impact Assessment Decision letter issued on May 7, 2021.
These conditions are associated with the proposed large-scale mining activities within the Lower Zambezi National Park, situated in Luangwa District.
During a press briefing held in Lusaka yesterday 31st may, Minister Nzovu instructed Mwembeshi Resources Limited to immediately cease the construction of roads within the national park. Additionally, he demanded that the company submit a site environmental restoration plan for the areas affected by the mining activities, including the borrow pits and any other impacted regions within the park.
The Minister further mandated that the company restore the degraded environment to its original or an improved state, in accordance with the provisions of the environmental management Act. In response, Oliver Shalala, the Corporate Affairs Manager of Mwembeshi Resources Limited, expressed the company’s commitment to complying with the order issued by the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment.
Mr. Shalala acknowledged that while they had not yet received the official notification, Mwembeshi Resources would engage with ZEMA and the ministry to facilitate the submission of the restoration plan.
He emphasized that the company possesses all the necessary regulatory approvals and will ensure full compliance with the requirements set forth by ZEMA and the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment.
