As part of the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency’s ZAMNEX Program and in partnership with the Geological Survey of Sweden, the IGF provided technical expertise for a 3-day workshop in Lusaka for Zambia’s Ministry of Mines and Mineral Development.
The workshop focused on developing new national guidelines for mine closure plans. These guidelines outlined the approach industry should take to mine closure planning and specified the structure and level of detail required in each plan. The goal was to help mine operators prepare consistent, comprehensive closure plans and support regulators in reviewing and approving them.
In addition to the guidelines, participants contributed to an upcoming case study that will generate practical insights into the barriers and opportunities for effective mine closure in Zambia, using the North-Western Province as an example. By engaging directly with mining companies, government authorities, local communities, and academia, the study will capture stakeholder perspectives on the challenges facing closure planning and identify areas that could be improved, clarified, or reformed.
The workshop aimed to
- develop a table of contents for new mine closure guidelines for Zambia, with a focus on the required structure and content for mine operators.
- gather participants’ views, experiences, and opinions on the barriers and opportunities for effective mine closure in Zambia.
The new Zambian mine closure guidelines drew on best practices from Canada, Australia, Papua New Guinea, and Tanzania, as well as resources developed by non-governmental organizations.
The workshop was featured by the Wildlife and Environmental Conservation Society of Zambia, most notably a video reel and wrap-up summary, and was also showcased on ZANIS News, which included an interview with the IGF’s Rob Stevens.