Zambia’s Lufwanyama Emerald Communities Demand Stronger Local Benefits from Mining Companies
Lufwanyama Communities Demand Greater Local Participation and Accountability in Mining
Communities in Lufwanyama, a district renowned for its rich emerald deposits, are calling for greater local participation in mining and stricter accountability for companies operating in the area.
The call came during the “Mining with the People, for the People: Reclaiming Local Benefits in Lufwanyama” Indaba, held on 21–22 August 2025 at the Lufwanyama Council Lodge.
Participants urged the government and stakeholders to ensure mining companies uphold both social and environmental standards.
The forum was organized by Caritas Zambia, the Centre for Environmental Justice, and Transparency International Zambia, with support from ActionAid Zambia and the Carter Center.
In the communiqué issued after the event, participants emphasized that community participation in mining governance is essential.
They called for strengthening local institutions and building community capacity to ensure meaningful engagement with mining operations.
The statement also highlighted the importance of protecting human rights, especially for women, children, and other vulnerable groups, to prevent mining from exacerbating existing social and economic challenges.
Communities stressed the need to diversify local economies beyond mining, fostering sustainable livelihoods and reducing dependency on mineral extraction.
They further recommended reviewing regulatory frameworks to enhance transparency, accountability, and community involvement in mining activities.
Capacity-building programs for community members, civil society organizations, and government officials were urged to improve understanding of mining contracts, revenue management, and environmental assessments.
The communiqué concluded by calling for robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track the impact of mining on both communities and the environment, while supporting initiatives that promote economic diversification and long-term development in Lufwanyama.
SOURCE:zambiamonitor.com
