The European Union (EU) has praised the Zambian government for its firm stance on mining pollution, highlighting the country’s commitment to environmental protection amid plans to increase copper production. This commendation came during a recent partnership dialogue meeting where key stakeholders discussed sustainable mining practices.
EU Ambassador to Zambia, Karolina Stasiak, underscored the importance of responsible mining as Zambia anticipates a rise in mining licenses to meet its production targets. She stressed that this growth must be accompanied by strong preventive measures to curb mining-related pollution.
“Our leaders are committed that the EU would support enhancing the role of Zambian forests in national development, and address challenges related to deforestation, climate change and biodiversity loss,” Ms. Stasiak stated, emphasizing the need for the mining industry to respect Zambian laws and environmental standards.
Echoing this commitment, Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Mike Mposha, affirmed that the government is dedicated to reviewing existing policies and legislation to better promote green growth, environmental sustainability, and climate action.
Mr. Mposha highlighted that his ministry will intensify efforts to tackle pollution affecting air, water, land, and ecosystems nationwide through expanded monitoring systems and strengthened enforcement capacity.
Zambia’s zero-tolerance approach to mining pollution, backed by both government resolve and international support from the EU, marks a significant step towards balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship. This partnership aims to safeguard the country’s natural resources while fostering sustainable development for future generations.