Lungwa Residents Back Lower Zambezi Mining Exploration

Residents of Feira Constituency in Luangwa district have backed Government’s decision to approve two large scale mining exploration licenses in the Lower Zambezi National Park.

Speaking on behalf of other residents, Alex Njovu told Money FM News in an interview that this is a welcome move, as traditional leaders in the district have already given their blessings and are in support of mining activities in the National Park.
Mr. Njobvu stated that the decision will go a long way in uplifting the living standards of people in the district.

He said Luangwa has extreme poverty levels due to lack of job opportunities for young people, hence mining will be a game changer as it will improve economic activities in the area.

“We would therefore like to commend the Government of the Republic of Zambia for its decision to approve two large scale exploration licenses in the Lower Zambezi National Park. We, the people of Luangwa District in Feira are in support of mining activities in Lower Zambezi.”

“This news has excited our people. We are confident that this time around mining activities will go on without any further delay. This decision will go a long way in uplifting the living standards of our people,” Mr. Njobvu stated.

He advised Government to ignore institutions such as Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z) and other stakeholders who are opposing the approval of mining exploration, because the mines are far from the National Park, hence wildlife will not be affected.

“I challenge these people who are making statements on our behalf, let them come to Luangwa and see the sufferings that people are going through. The divorce rate in Luangwa is high because social life has broken down.”

“Let these people come to Luangwa and we will show them where the mine is located and where the animals are, they are very far apart. Therefore, the news that Government has finally approved the two exploration projects in the Lower Zambezi is a welcome development and everyone is happy, we are excited. We are talking about hundreds of people in Luangwa and neighboring communities benefiting,” he added.

Mr. Njobvu further said the indigenous people of Luangwa are not against tourism, as this sector is equally important as it contributes positively to the development process of the country.

“However, we feel that at this point, mining must be allowed in the Lower Zambezi National Park for the benefit of the economy of Luangwa.”

“We feel the two sectors, that is mining and tourism can still thrive and do well in Luangwa. We are confident that a lot of Zambians especially those from Luangwa will benefit from the mine and other activities that will be set up as a result of this project,” Mr. Njobvu asserted.

According to information published on the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development website, the Mining License Committee has approved two large-scale exploration licenses, namely, licenses 38439-HQ-LEL and 38572-HQ-LEL located in the Lower Zambezi National Park.

However, Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z) has opposed this decision, citing environmental concerns.

TI-Z Executive Director, Maurice Nyambe said this week explorations and mining licensing as well as approvals, in addition to being conducted transparently, should not be approved or permitted to occur in protected areas such as national parks and forest reserves.