ZEMA APPROVES $1.3BN MINING PROJECTS

THE Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) assessed 54 mining projects worth US$ 1.304 billion in the third quarter of 2020.

ZEMA acting manager corporate affairs, Friday Phiri, said the 54 projects were part of the 212 projects under the Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) category submitted for assessment.

Mr Phiri said in an interview that mining presents the largest current and future environmental liabilities as it has continued to receive huge investments.

He however said ZEMA would ensure that the environment was safeguarded in the communities that are near the mines.

Mr Phiri said that the set conditions regarding mining operations relate to strict adherence to the guidelines aimed at preventing air and water pollution in communities as a result of the mining activities.

He said the mining firms that polluted the air and water were liable for payment of the appropriate compensation and other forms of relief or replacement.

“More often than not, where it is determined that the health of people, property, or source of livelihood is harmed, damaged, affected negatively or lost as a result of the project or related activities, the Mining firms are liable for payment,” he said.

Mr Phiri said ZEMA has developed a continuous environmental monitoring system (CEMS), an online-based system which would store data and an online application of environmental permits and submission of statutory returns.

He said the innovations would result in service excellence, operational efficiency, and improve environmental monitoring.

Mr Phiri said this would be done through modern

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) platforms such as Tele-Monitoring, for real-time, online air and effluent emissions monitoring.

“More often than not, where it is determined that the health of people, property, or source of livelihood is harmed, damaged, affected negatively or lost as a result of the project or related activities, the Mining firms are liable for payment,”