Environmental agency grants approval for establishment of refinery, 77 other projects

The Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) says it has approved the establishment of a Crude Oil Refinery Plant by Zambia Petrochemical Energy Company Limited.

The facility is projected to produce three million metric tonnes of refined petroleum products per annum, marking a significant milestone in Zambia’s pursuit of energy self-sufficiency, according to ZEMA Manager for Corporate Affairs, Ruth Kamwi

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Tuesday, Kamwi said the refinery would be located adjacent to Indeni Energy Company Limited in the Bwana Mkubwa Area of Ndola on the Copperbelt and represents an investment of US$ 1.1 billion.

She said the project was expected to transform Zambia’s energy landscape by reducing the country’s heavy reliance on imported refined petroleum products, which had long strained the national economy and exposed consumers to volatile global fuel prices.

“Once operational, the refinery is anticipated to add significant value to the energy supply chain, improve fuel security, and contribute meaningfully to government revenues through taxes and levies,” Kamwi said.

She said the approval was granted among 77 projects, out of 87 considered, by the Environmental Assessments Committee of the 6th ZEMA Board during its June sitting.

“ZEMA reaffirms its commitment to upholding the law and all applicable regulations in the evaluation and approval of all projects, balancing economic growth with the protection of Zambia’s natural environment and safe guarding human health,” Kamwi said.

The approved projects span key sectors including 30 mining and mineral processing projects, 15 energy projects, 11 infrastructure development projects, 14 manufacturing and processing projects, and 7 agriculture and forestry projects.

Six projects were rejected and four deferred.

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