Mining appeals tribunal to commence sittings

The Mining Appeals Tribunal is set to commence its inaugural sittings on September 14th 2026, marking the full operationalisation of Zambia’s specialised forum for resolving disputes arising from decisions in the mining sector. In a statement issued to the media in Lusaka…

The Mining Appeals Tribunal is set to commence its inaugural sittings on September 14th 2026, marking the full operationalisation of Zambia’s specialised forum for resolving disputes arising from decisions in the mining sector.

In a statement issued to the media in Lusaka today, Tribunal Chairperson Philemon Songolo stated that the commencement of sittings represents a significant milestone in strengthening Zambia’s mining governance and dispute resolution framework.

Mr Songolo said this demonstrates the government’s commitment to ensuring access to justice for investors, mining rights holders, communities and other stakeholders affected by decisions relating to the administration and regulation of mineral resources.

He stated that the Tribunal was established under the Mines and Minerals Development Act of 2015.

He noted that although members were initially appointed under the 2015 Act, the Tribunal was not operationalised.

“Following the enactment of the Minerals Regulation Commission Act No. 14 of 2024, which repealed and replaced the 2015 Act, members of the Tribunal were appointed and institutional arrangements, including the establishment of offices, were put in place to facilitate its operations,” he explained.

Mr Songolo stressed that under the current legal framework, the Tribunal has jurisdiction to hear and determine appeals arising from decisions of the Minerals Regulation Commission (MRC), as well as matters relating to misconduct within the mining sector.

He said since its appointment, the Tribunal has undertaken extensive preparatory work to establish the administrative systems, processes and procedures required for the effective receipt, management, hearing and determination of appeals.

Mr Songolo pointed out that the operationalisation of the Tribunal is expected to provide a dedicated mechanism for the timely, fair, consistent and impartial resolution of disputes within the mining sector.

“Since its appointment, the Tribunal has undertaken foundational work necessary for its effective functioning, including the establishment of administrative systems, processes and procedures for the receipt, management and determination of appeals,” Mr Songolo said.

He added that this preparatory phase has laid the institutional groundwork for the Tribunal to commence the hearing and determination of matters brought before it.

He further said the availability of a specialised Tribunal is also expected to contribute to greater certainty and predictability in the mining investment environment.

“The development is particularly significant as Zambia seeks to increase copper production to three million metric tonnes by 2031. An efficient and credible dispute resolution system is an important component of a stable investment environment capable of supporting the growth, continuity and expansion of mining operations,” he stated.

Mr Songolo further said the commencement of sittings on September 14th, 2026, will therefore mark, not only the beginning of the Tribunal’s adjudicative functions, but also the important milestone in the continued strengthening of Zambia’s mining governance architecture.

“The Tribunal is committed to discharging its mandate independently, fairly and in accordance with the law, while promoting confidence in Zambia’s mining dispute resolution system and contributing to a stable, predictable and responsible mining sector,” he added.