Zambia scores high in global mining transparency assessment

Zambia has reportedly earned a strong 81-point rating under the 2023 Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) Standard, with the global assessment commending the country’s progress in promoting transparency and accountability in the mining sector while calling for further reforms in contract disclosure and environmental governance.

The assessment, which also awarded Zambia two additional points for effectiveness and sustainability, recognised the country’s efforts to improve public access to information and strengthen governance in the extractive sector.

According to the report, Zambia’s implementation of the EITI Standard has supported systematic disclosure of information, reforms on critical minerals, beneficial ownership transparency and measures aimed at strengthening domestic revenue mobilisation.

In a statement issued yesterday, the Zambia Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (ZEITI) welcomed the findings, describing them as an opportunity to accelerate reforms already underway.

ZEITI said it remained committed to working with government, mining companies and civil society organisations to implement the recommendations and ensure Zambia’s mineral wealth delivers greater benefits to citizens.

“This Validation result is a testament to the collective effort of Government, industry and civil society in building a more transparent and accountable extractive sector. It strengthens Zambia’s credibility on the global stage and lays a firmer foundation for inclusive growth from our mineral resources,” the statement said.

EITI Board Chairperson, Helen Clark, commended Zambia for using the global transparency initiative to advance national priorities and improve governance in the mining industry.

“Zambia has demonstrated how the EITI can support national priorities by strengthening transparency, informing reforms and fostering dialogue on the future of its mining sector,” Clark said.

She added that as Zambia pursued its ambition of significantly increasing copper production and positioning itself as a major supplier of critical minerals, continued reforms in contract transparency, environmental accountability and local revenue management would be essential to sustaining public confidence and promoting inclusive development.

The assessment also highlighted Zambia’s progress in improving public access to extractive sector information through the ZEITI Fusion Portal and systematic disclosures by government institutions and mining companies.

The platform provides stakeholders with timely, open-format data on mineral production, exports, revenues and licensing, enabling policymakers, investors and the public to make informed decisions and contribute to debate on the governance of the country’s natural resources.

Despite the positive assessment, the report urged Zambia to strengthen transparency around mining contracts, enhance environmental oversight and improve the management of revenues generated from local extractive activities to further align with international best practice.

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