Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development, Permanent Secretary Hapenga Kabeta, says government remains committed to strengthening the country’s regulatory framework for mine closure and rehabilitation.

Speaking at the launch of the Guidelines for Mine Closure Plans in Zambia, organised by the Minerals Regulation Commission, Dr Kabeta called on all license holders, regulators, traditional leaders, and others to embrace the guidelines established as a shared framework for responsible mining.

Dr Kabeta said as the government works towards expanding copper production and increasing investment in critical minerals, strong regulatory institutions become increasingly important.

“Predictable, transparent and enforceable mine closure requirements provide confidence to investors while assuring citizens that mining activities will leave a positive and lasting legacy,” he said.

Dr Kabeta emphasised that the government will continue strengthening institutional capacity, promoting compliance, supporting innovation and ensuring effective coordination among minerals Regulation Commission, ZEMA and other relevant institutions.

And Swedish Ambassador to Zambia, Johan Hallenborg highlighted that the guidelines for Mine Closure Plans in Zambia, is a great milestone for the country’s mining sector as well as various stakeholders and institutions.

Mr Hallenborg notes that mine closure is not just a technical issue but about safeguarding the environment and ensuring that the benefits of mining do not come at the expense of future generations.

He highlighted that Sweden supports such initiatives stating that his country believes that mining can contribute to economic prosperity while also protecting the natural environment while supporting sustainable livelihoods.

The Minerals Regulations Commission Director General, Thomlinson Hara disclosed that the guidelines for the Mine Closure Plans in Zambia which aim to provide a comprehensive national framework for the preparation, implementation review and regulation of Mine Closure activities was established under the Minerals Regulation Commission (MRC) pursuant to Section 95 of the Minerals Regulation Commission Act number 14 of 2024.

“The purpose of these guidelines is to assist mining companies, regulators, consultants, local communities and other stakeholders in preparing comprehensive Mine Closure Plans,” Dr Hara said.

ZAMNEX Programme Manager, Andreas Lindstrom highlighted that the guidelines establish a common national approach to mine closure planning by encouraging government, regulators and mining companies to integrate closure considerations from the early stages of a mining project.

Mr Lindstrom stated that by planning ahead the environment can be protected, citing that the guidelines encourage responsible use of Zambia’s resources as well as strengthening the country’s economy.

“Together, we must ensure that the principles contained within these guidelines become part of everyday practice within the mining sector,” he stated.

The Minerals Regulations Commission Director for Mine Inspections and Audits, Elite Mhone appreciated the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), through the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (SwEPA) under the Zambian Mining in the Nexus of Environment, Human Rights and Climate Change (ZAMNEX) for their financial and technical support in actualising the guidelines.

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