Ndola, Zambia, 27 November 2024 (ECA) – Stakeholders from national and local government departments and ministries, Civil Society Organizations, academic and research institutions, the Private Sector and UNDP in Zambia held a two-day workshop to discuss ensuring that mining in Zambia and on the continent is undertaken in a green and inclusive manner, and contributes to value-addition, job creation and economic transformation. The two-day workshop was convened by ECA as the inaugural consultation on an eight-year project on environmentally-friendly and inclusive mining and manufacturing in the SADC region. Projekt-Consult, WWF and BGR, members of the six-member consortium on the project, participated in the workshop.
In the opening remarks from ECA’s Director for Southern Africa Eunice Kamwendo, delivered by Oliver Maponga, Economic Affairs Officer, the role of Africa in the global mining sector was underscored, including the ‘critical minerals’ that are inputs to renewable energy technologies. Transforming these minerals into higher value products is crucial to foster industrialization in the region, and initiatives such as the Zambia-DRC transboundary special economic zone for the battery and electric vehicle (BEV) value chain highlight the commitment of the region to these ambitious goals.
Christopher Lukwesa, Director for Planning with the Ndola City Council, welcomed participants to the region which is Zambia’s mining hub, noting the importance of the project being discussed in the realization of the developmental aims of cities like Ndola. This was echoed in remarks by Regional Permanent Secretary Augustine Kasongo, delivered by Ms. Nalishebo Amvula, noting that a focus on green and inclusive mineral-based manufacturing has potential to improve lives in mining communities and protect the environment. In official opening remarks by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Mines, Dr. Hapenga Kabeta, delivered by Mr. Bryson Chewe, the importance of green and inclusive mining was underscored and the preparedness of the Ministry to provide an environment that supports inclusivity was underlined.
In presenting the project, which is currently in its preparation phase, John Sloan, Economic Affairs Officer, noted the role of ECA in linking this work with the ongoing BEV initiative, and the national and local priorities of Zambia. Endorsements received from the six countries involved in the project speak to the significant political will to better link the mining sector with job- and revenue-generating sectors. Findings from research on the potential to ‘green’ the BEV special economic zones were presented by Prof. Jewette Masinja, highlighting the specific areas which need further adjustment to strengthen the green and inclusive components.
Engineer Yoram Chulu of the Ministry of Mines presented Zambia’s recently-launched National Critical Minerals Strategy, the first targeted strategy in the region, which outlines the national vision for the exploitation of minerals that the IEA estimates will double in demand by 2030, and triple in a net-zero policy environment, thus presenting immense opportunities for countries like Zambia. Participants in the workshop provided feedback on strengthening the role of communities and stakeholders in the rollout of this strategy. They emphasized the need to protect livelihoods, safety and health, and local environments from the impacts of mining, and to establish new industries that will last long after the mining boom including through providing opportunities for micro, small and medium enterprises, women and youth-owned businesses to participate in the value chains. Stakeholders recommended that future workshops also reach out to districts of the country that are new to mining but which have significant critical mineral deposits.
The workshop concluded with a visit to the Ndola Gemstone Processing & Lapidary Training Centre to witness first-hand the skills and technical expertise being imparted on young people to take part in higher-value segments of the mining value chain.
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