Against professional advice, the Zambian Government has given Zambezi Resources Ltd permission to mine for copper in the middle of the pristine Lower Zambezi National Park. WE SAY NO!!
Background:
In 2012 Zambezi Resources Limited (ZRL) had its first Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) rejected by the Zambian environment regulator, the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA). ZEMA cited serious environmental concerns in its rejection report. In addition, the Parliamentary Committee on Lands, Natural Resources and the Environment agreed with ZEMA. Soon after the rejection, ZRL appealed the decision and this week, the Minister of Lands & Environment Mr Harry Kalaba overruled ZEMA by granting ZRL permission.
We object to the Minister’s decision for a number of reasons:
1) WE BELIEVE that Mr Kalaba has not judged the environmental impact of this project correctly. The pollution and damage to rivers such as the Mighty Zambezi as well as flora and fauna will be irreversible. Our Copperbelt mining region is proof of this.
2) WE BELIEVE that Mr Kalaba is wrong in his assertion that the project will create (well-paying) jobs for ordinary Zambians. This is far from guaranteed. Mining is a highly-mechanised business and it is unlikely that the people of the Lower Zambezi Valley will be qualified enough for well-paying jobs at the mine. These will be filled by people from outside the area and even outside the country.
3) WE BELIEVE that ZRL, which owns 100% of the Kangaluwa Copper Project, will leave a polluted and devastated environment while Zambia continues to fail to put into place better mining taxation policies. We will be losing out on both fronts big time. This is unacceptable and we are flabbergasted that OUR Government can even give its backing to such a project.
4) WE BELIEVE that to ignore ZEMA in his decision-making, the Minister of Lands & Environment Mr Harry Kalaba has set a dangerous precedent by indirectly encouraging lawlessness.
We ask that you join us in putting pressure on the Zambian Government to rescind its decision.
If you would like to talk further, please contact us via our Facebook page (‘No Mining in Lower Zambezi National Park’) or via email: lowerzambezi@hotmail.co.uk.
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr.
No Mining In the Lower Zambezi 
Sometimes decisions are made which affect EVERYONE- not jus those who live in the immediate vicinity. It takes common sense and the voices of the people to ensure that our planet is not destroyed by man’s insatiable greed for quick profits at the expense of nature.
I certainly agree with that. It is disgraceful how mankind has such disregard for Nature and her creatures. We are destroying the very planet that serves as home to us and our fellow creatures with no care whatsoever as to the consequenses down the road.It has to stop.
Clearly, I need to take ove the ministers job. There is more to life than mining and money. What surrounds us keeps us alive and that includes the beautiful animal river and plant life. No!!! We have enough contamination in our country. Kitwe stream used to have beautiful fish and green vegetation. Now its poluted and smells and polutes people who are now experiencing complications with their respiratory system. We say we are a peaceful nation but I see us falling on the extreme of being coward!!! No to mining in the lower Zambezi, PERIOD!!!
From Holland: Please tell me the present state of Affairs. Is the government surpassing the High Court? See this article:
Court ‘stops’ mining in Lower Zambezi National Park.
“The decision of the High Court comes barely a day after the government gave a conditional approval of the Kangaluwi Copper Project that would be developed by Mwembeshi Resources, which is owned by Zambezi Resources of Australia.The Zambia Environmental Management Agency rejected the project located in the middle of the national park, citing environmental concerns, but Mwembeshi Resources appealed to environmental protection minister Harry Kalaba, who overturned ZEMA’s decision and allowed the project to proceed. This development prompted environmental activists and some civil society organisations to seek the intervention of the courts.
According to court documents, judge Kondolo has ordered a stay of execution of the decision to allow large-scale mining activities in the Lower Zambezi National Park pending hearing of an appeal.
“It is ordered that the decision of the Minister of Lands, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection dated 17th day of January 2014, of allowing large-scale mining activities in the Lower Zambezi National Park by Mwembeshi Resources Limited be and is hereby stayed pending the hearing of an appeal against the said decision,” it stated, adding that “…this order is subject to an inter partes hearing before the Honourable Justice in Chambers on the 18th day of February 2014 at 14:00 hours.”
Hi Marianne. The govt hasn’t surpassed the High Court. At least from what we know. The case is still in the High Court. The hearing was meant to begin on 17th February but it was adjourned to 5th March.
Regards