By Darius Choonya
Zambia’s ambition to ramp up its annual copper production to 3 million tonnes by 2031 must not come at the cost of environmental degradation, President Hakainde Hichilema has warned. He emphasized that while mining is a key driver of economic growth, the government will not tolerate activities that put water bodies, ecosystems, and public health at risk.
Sustainable Mining Must Be a Priority
Speaking at State House during a meeting with Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) Board Chairperson Rt. Hon. Helen Clark and her delegation, President Hichilema underscored the need for sustainable mining practices. He cautioned that if mining companies fail to uphold environmental safeguards, Zambia could face devastating long-term consequences.
“Our drive to increase production should not be an excuse for environmental harm,” HH stated. “We must ensure that as we attract investment in the mining sector, we also safeguard the health of our people and protect our natural resources, particularly our water bodies, which are critical to both agriculture and human consumption.”
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to responsible and transparent mineral extraction, stressing that mining expansion should be conducted in a way that maximizes national benefits while mitigating environmental damage.
Zambia’s Push for Responsible and Transparent Mining
Zambia, one of the world’s top copper producers, has been aggressively pursuing foreign investment to boost mining output. The government has implemented fiscal and regulatory reforms aimed at attracting mining firms, but environmental concerns have remained a significant issue.
To ensure accountability, President Hichilema highlighted the importance of enhanced oversight, including the strict enforcement of environmental regulations and regular audits of mining operations.
“Transparency in the extractive sector is key. We must ensure that Zambia’s mineral wealth benefits every citizen, and that means holding investors accountable to both financial and environmental obligations,” he added.
EITI Commends Zambia’s Commitment to Mining Transparency
Meanwhile, Rt. Hon. Helen Clark, the EITI Board Chairperson, applauded Zambia’s proactive efforts in promoting good governance in the mining sector. She acknowledged the country’s strides in strengthening regulatory frameworks to create a more favorable and transparent investment environment.
“The progress Zambia has made in fostering transparency within the extractive sector is commendable,” Clark stated. “By ensuring that revenues from mineral resources are well managed and that communities benefit, Zambia is setting a positive example in the region.”
The Balancing Act: Economic Growth vs. Environmental Responsibility
As Zambia continues its push to triple copper output, the government faces the challenge of balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility.
While mining remains Zambia’s economic backbone, stakeholders, including environmental activists, have been vocal about the need to prioritize sustainability to avoid the mistakes of the past, where uncontrolled mining activities led to polluted rivers, deforestation, and displacement of communities.
With increased global demand for copper—a key component in renewable energy and electric vehicles—Zambia stands to gain significantly from expanding its mining sector. However, the President’s remarks make it clear that this growth must be strategically managed to avoid irreversible environmental damage.
The coming years will be critical as Zambia strives to strike a balance between investment, production targets, and environmental conservation, ensuring that mining expansion translates into sustainable development for future generations.
