LOWER ZAMBEZI NATIONAL PARK PROPOSED KANGAWILU MINE IN COURT

The proposed Kangaluwi Open-Pit Copper Mine in the Lower Zambezi National Park sets a precedent for international large scale mining inside national parks in Zambia. Communities, Civil societies, different stakeholders and independent experts have expressed concerns that have led to the court proceedings.

 

The proposed Kangaluwi mine raises the following concerns;

·       The mining license was obtained before the approval of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

·       The proposed mine Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) statement did not adequately address environmental concerns according to ZEMA.

·       The technical quality of the EIA and environmental management plan falls way short of national and international quality standards.

·       The Lower Zambezi National Park is rated fourth among the twenty (20) national parks and rated as a Prime Touristic destination by Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA.)

·       The proposed large scale open-pit mine threatens the status of the Lower Zambezi National Park as a protected area and it would completely destroy 50% of the park.

·       The project threatens irreversible damage to an ecologically sensitive landscape and loss of habitat for globally endangered species.

·       The benefits from the proposed five (5) year mine project cannot outweigh the long term ecological benefits.  

·       The threats of the mining activities on the Zambezi River system are trans-boundary and a recipe for regional conflict.

In view of the above concerns, a need for responsible mining and protection of sensitive eco-systems for present and future generations is imperative.