Lufwanyama communities demand greater role in emerald mining

Communities in Lufwanyama, home to some of Zambia’s richest emerald deposits, have called for stronger local participation in the mining sector and stricter accountability for mining companies operating in the district.

In a communiqué issued after the Indaba on “Mining with the People, for the People: Reclaiming Local Benefits in Lufwanyama” held on August 21–22, 2025, at Lufwanyama Council Lodge, participants urged government and stakeholders to ensure mining firms uphold both social and environmental standards.

The forum was organised by Caritas Zambia, the Centre for Environmental Justice, and Transparency International Zambia, with support from ActionAid Zambia and the Carter Centre.

“Community participation in mining governance is crucial. We emphasize the strengthening of local institutions and capacity building to enable effective engagement,” the communiqué read.

“It is equally important to safeguard human rights, particularly those of women, children, and other vulnerable groups, so that mining does not worsen existing social and economic challenges,” it stated.

The communities stressed the need to diversify local economies beyond mineral extraction to promote long-term sustainable livelihoods.

They further called for reviews of regulatory frameworks to guarantee transparency, accountability, and meaningful community involvement in mining activities.

The communiqué also recommended capacity-building programmes for communities, civil society organisations, and government officials to improve understanding of mining contracts, revenue management, and environmental assessments.

“There is a need for robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track the impact of mining activities on both communities and the environment,” it added, urging support for initiatives that promote economic diversification and reduce dependence on mining.

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