MINISTER of Lands, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Harry Kalaba has clarified that the position concerning Kangaluwe copper project in the Lower Zambezi is interpreted by his ministry.
Mr Kalaba said he has a mandate to indicate to the public the Government’s decision on the awarding of the licence to Mwembeshi Resources, a subsidiary of the Zambezi Resources of Australia, for the large-scale mining in the Lower Zambezi National Park.
This is according to a statement issued in Lusaka yesterday by Ministry of Lands, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection permanent secretary Inutu Suba.
“My ministry is in charge of, among other things, overseeing the functions of the Zambia Environmental Management Act No.12 of 2012. Consequently, the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) being the body assigned with execution of the provisions of that Act falls within the jurisdiction of my ministry.
“The decision made by ZEMA is subject under that Act, to review referral and supervision by the minister,” he said.
Mr Kalaba said as a minister, his mandate is to state the Government’s position after wide and extensive consultations.
He said it is, therefore, not true for some people to allege that the ministry did not consult before awarding a mining licence to Mwembeshi Resources.
Mr Kalaba said while ministers may hold personal views and express them freely in both private and public, the mandate of his ministry, on this matter, is to stick to Government positions only.
Last week, government has advised all interested parties in the Kangaluwi Mining Project in the Lower Zambezi to stop commenting on the matter until it is decided by the courts of Law.
Chief Government spokesperson Mwansa Kapeya said government’s position on the copper mining project is as interpreted by the Ministry of Lands, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection.
Mr Kapeya who is also Information and bBoadcasting Minister said government expected a fair balance between the benefits of mining and the protection of wildlife conservation and that the policies and laws will be respected and adhered to.
He said government expected the mining project to create employment opportunities for ordinary Zambians.
Government granted Mwembeshi Resources a licence to begin copper mining activities in the Lower Zambezi National Park.
However, some environmental organisations have obtained a court injunction to restrain the company from going ahead with project.
The Ministry of Tourism has also indicated that it is against the decision to issue a mining licence in the lower Zambezi National Park citing environmental concerns.
GOD gracious! One govt with officials inssueing contlicting statements. What’s the corect position then?
At least Mrs Masebo is democratic enough to understand the consequences and give a divergent view on the matter.
‘Anyway Most PF MPs are Useless’ Sata.
Intersting
This Government should be serious. What a batch of jokers. I cannot see any leadership in PF. Let come 2016 they should be out.
In other words Masebo`s reasoning is better than that of the government
We need to find ways of delaying the start of this ‘project’ until 2016.
Reading Kalaba’s face tells me he has benefited something!
What should we expect? They have failed to create employment and this mining thing is going to do just that amidist the dangers mentioned. But to them its employment that matters. You will see them bosting about how much employment it will create and claim all the credit. Why worry about the effects. Come 2016 lets vote wisely
Iwe ka kalaba, we already know that is government position, no need to clarify things. So far the animals are not complaining and it looks good. There are some investors who want to setup a mall at the edge of the victoria falls, please consider their proposal… thank you.
‘Anyway Most PF MPs are Useless’ Sata.
Kalaba, used to respect you but after this foolish decision you made, I don’t anymore.
If I were Masebo, I would resign because the other two Ministers have undermined her authority.
All the three Ministers did not consult each other and they keep on Issuing statements. Did Kalaba consult the Minister of Tourism before giving the park to the Australians? Did Kalaba consult the Minister of Information before issuing the above statement?
‘Anyway Most PF MPs are Useless’ Sata.
Was a Cabinet Memorandum circulated to other Cabinet Ministers for comment before being presented for consideration for approval by Cabinet chaired by the President? If this was done and Cabinet approval was given, then Hon. Masebo is out of order and she should resign for breaking the principle of collective responsibility. Anyone familiar with Cabinet procedure knows this. The President and Hon. Masebo. being experienced in government know that too.
“Mwembeshi Resources, a subsidiary of the Zambezi Resources of Australia.” What on earth is this Australian company doing with our brand name “Zambezi” Resources of Australia, I am a little confused I thought the Zambezi was only in this part of the world but in Australia too!
Please Zambians, learn to seek information. Phone or email PACRA for an explanation as to how a foreign investor can own a company named locally. That is how its is done, but please ask the experts at PACRA. They are more than willing to explain the law to you. Your own law, which you could have read if you cared.
eish..these chaps do not seem to work in tandem..you don’t agree at all..what is wrong..?is it the leadership crisis from the top?we need order!!!
Mr Kalaba,
We all know the position of PF regime on this issue, it’s corruption. Its the kickbacks Kalaba fraudulently received from his King Cobra yapping.
Kalaba alaba that he thrives on borrowed time, their lies have caught up with them. Mwapya ba pathetic first(PF).
Just corrupt. No sane person would agree to have a mine in a game park.
Zambian have a tendency to react without thinking and use emotions rather than sense. Mining and exploration in parks is being done in 90% of our neighbouring countries. This has happened without loss to wildlife, lets learn and evolve together with the world.
IPA Manning!
Check out what “SENSE ” has written. hypocrite!
country on auto pilot!!
Part I
The only licences in question are mining licences: a prospector’s licence and a large scale mining licence, which is the responsibility of the Ministry of Mines and subject to the provisions of the Mines and Minerals Development Act, 2008. A prospector’s licence can only be issued if the application is accompanied by an environmental management plan and – if in a protected area, the written permission of ZAWA, and that of the Mining Advisory Committee. The application for a large scale mining licence in a protected area also requires the written permission of ZAWA and the Mining Advisory Committee (with the Ministry of Lands represented), as well as the submission of an environmental impact study (EIS) which must first be approved by the Zambia Environmental Management Agency…
Part 2
Kalaba insists that he consulted with the public and stakeholders as is required under the Environmental Management Act, 2011. In the case of ZEMA, on receipt of the original EIS they did not do so according to the full requirements of the law. In the case of the gerrymandered EIS resulting from the collusion of the Ministry of Lands and the holders of the illegal licence, Zambezi Resources, no public hearings or site of the revised document has been made available by the Ministry of Lands or ZEMA. It is not on the ZEMA website either. Government advises us not to comment until the hearing by the High Court on 18 February, yet their spokesman Kapeya says: “Government expects a fair balance between the benefits of mining and the protection of wildlife conservation, the policies…
I.P.A Manning!
Where have you been? What you have written is rubbish. We know why you think like MASEBO. You make your money through making unnecessary noise. The Mines and Minerals Act 2008 permits Exploration & Mining in the game park or GMA if you fulfill the required conditions. Ministry of mines can even issue a license for mining anywhere.
The developers held 2 public consultative meetings in Chongwe at the Council Hall and at Chongwe Secondary School and your Tourism /Conservation friends attended. There was another at Chiawa School and a final one at Luangwa Council and all meetings where coordinated by ZEMA. ZEMA made there observations and objected but as the law allows an appeal whereby all issues raised by ZEMA where addressed. The minister of lands and ZEMA gave a go ahead.
i agree with you. i also wonder which stakeholders ba kalaba consulted? if u consult pipo like the investor and many other institutions who will not be affected by your decision( like a donor or funder like IMF), you will not have properly done your job. apapena ba kalaba, mutotonkanyepo nakabili, mukalulubula mailo; umulandu uukulu sana uyu,namwishibefyo. abantu , nempanga , nifianama fikonaika tekutu mupende…
The Director of Mines is obliged to not issue a licence if the legal requirements are not met (section 26 (3). This was not done, therefore the large scale mining licence issued to Zambezi Resources Limited is illegal. Kalaba’s Ministry, by their representation on the Mining Advisory Committee, is therefore also culpable in this illegal act.
I.P.A Manning!
Which legal requirements? Are there specific rules by yourself?
Zambia is for Zambians and not animals! You starve people with your make shift camp sites and lodges which are seasonal at the expense of hyena’s. There are no animals at the Kangaluwi Site and it’s not along the River Banks as per your photos. Why are you misleading people. ZEMA & Ministry of Lands do not issue Mining or Exploration Licenses.
The GRZ Position is clear and final. Go wherever you want! People of Luangwa /Chiawa are so very happy cause of the Social Economic development coming and you are crying about the plight of HYENAS?
What does Tourism benefit the locals apart from people like you?You are the same chaps who are POACHERS. Why have the animals migrated to LUANGWA BOMA? Scared of you!
@ Bamuzo,
??????!!
So what exactly is governments position on mining in the Lower Zambezi without going round the issue?
They unfortunately are prepared to go ahead with mining at all costs.What is important Cindy is they now know the wish of the people.Masebo well done its not easy.
@ Chinyama,
Very sad indeed if they succeed in destroying that beautiful part of the world. How long can the injuction hold them back and can things change positively if proved that mining wont only bring about more health and economical problems but also display animals sending them into possible depression and stress endangering their lives? Can animal rights groups prove something to enhance the injunction?
ba muzo ubushilu munasheko.. what an *****!
In a democracy, we expect Cabinet Ministers to adequately debate issues before decisions are made during cabinet meetings. We expect that such a discussion took place. We also expect that the majority vote on the issue authorized mining in the lower Zambezi, and Sylvia was part of that decision. In mature democracies, Masebo could have resigned if the decision was in total conflict with she stands for. For Masebo to go public and condemn the concession when she was part of the gang is immoral. Let her resign the way GBM did. That is what democrats do.
if it was debated and masebo was not in favour still, she was not going to come out the way she did. i think consultation was not adequate. and that is pipos argument. otherwise let her be dropped.. then
No wonder Sata calls his useless MPS, Mr. Kalaba shame on you, can’t think beyond your nose.
If what a cabinet minister says is not official, then what is? Kapeya, whatever you smoke is strong stuff. Give me some
Kalaba gave a POSITION. Masebo gave FACTS. Kalaba is being POLITICAL. Masebo is being FUNCTIONAL. Kalaba is redefining IRRELEVANCE. Masebo is articulating PROGRESSIVENESS.
you r sahrp
you r sharp, i meant
@CINDY
The animal rights group may beg for more money in their pockets as usual claiming to strengthen the injunction but get this straight from me!
THEY ARE WASTING THEIR TIME AND THEY ARE LAGGING BEHIND. THE MINING LICENSE HAS BEEN ISSUED BY GRZ(Min of Mines),ZEMA(Min of Environment….)ALSO ISUED THEM AUTHORISATION LETTER WITH CONDITIONS AND GRZ’s POSITION is NODDING the Mining Activities alongside Tourism.
The rightful people to file the Injunction are supposed to be the locals and not the ZOO MASTERS,ARMCHAIR CRITICS FROM LUSAKA.
They are selfish.
@ Muzo,
Too bad in short it’s like fighting a losing battle?
@CINDY
SPOT ON! These guys the conservation activists and… whatever are fighting a loosing battle. But, as usual, they want to make money out of this by making noise.
Go to ZEMA, ask for the video tapes of their recordings of the PUBLIC HEARINGS HELD in Chongwe(2),Chiawa and Luangwa by Mwembeshi Resources all of which I attended and see for yourself how the locals welcomed the Project.
You will only see WWF and another 4 people then they claim to be “A CONSOTIUM OF 100 Conservation Groups”
BOOZA!!!
Kalaba you should use your brain too. If you as an individual feel it is not right to do the mining, go ahead and say no to sata or government. And explain your reasoning, dont work like a robbot.
Bamuzo court injunctions are good and not time wasters as they allow time for concerned parties to lay out there case, mind you less than 2 years to go before
You know they will be totally new people in government, Sata said most of his
MPs are useless, decisions like this with time show how useless these MPs are
A lot of missed missed steps that’s why the courts allowed the case to proceed
Even a grade one knows a game Park is for animals not for mining, these foolish
Australians waited for someone shallow to deceive, and they found the perfect
Candidate.
Lekeni ba poacher bakabazeko elyo mukatampe ukudiga
Governance with fear si vintu?
MPs please stand up for what you’ve been employed for. YOUR PEOPLE, YOUR COUNTRY not just YOUR POCKETS…..