Reported by: The Agency Media
Date: 26th February, 2025.
Chingola, Copperbelt Province, Zambia.
The Ministry of Green Economy and Environment has taken decisive action by indefinitely shutting down two mines in Chingola District for operating without valid environmental licences. This enforcement measure follows a rigorous inspection of mining operations in Kitwe and Chingola, revealing non-compliance with environmental regulations by Copa Investment Zambia Limited and Oliya Investments Limited in the Lulamba community.
Investigations confirmed that Copa Investment Zambia Limited had been operating on an expired Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) licence, which lapsed in 2019, while Oliya Investments Limited has never held a ZEMA licence since it commenced operations in 2024.
Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Hon. Mike E. Mposha, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring responsible mining practices that prioritize environmental sustainability.
“While we encourage investment and economic growth, we cannot do so at the expense of environmental protection. Safety and sustainability must remain at the forefront of all mining operations. Investors are obligated to obtain and renew their licences through ZEMA before commencing or continuing operations,” stated Hon. Mposha.
The Minister further warned that non-compliance will not be tolerated, emphasizing that the government will take strict action against any investor who disregards environmental laws.
“We will not allow a laissez-faire attitude towards environmental responsibility. Continuous monitoring and enforcement will be undertaken to safeguard our natural resources and ensure a sustainable future for all,” he added.
As part of his oversight mission, the Minister, accompanied by Permanent Secretary Dr. Douty Chibamba and ZEMA Board Chairperson Mr. Lovejoy Malambo, also conducted a follow-up visit to Mimbula Mining Company to assess the response to a chemical spillage into Chabanyama Stream that occurred on 16th January 2025.
The Ministry has directed the affected mines to obtain the necessary environmental licences and permits before resuming operations to ensure full compliance with national environmental regulations.
The Agency.