Topic -The Role of Traditional Leadership in Tailings Dam Management: Bridging Community Concerns and Industry Practices
Background
The management of tailings dams is a contentious issue in many mining-affected communities in Zambia, with concerns over environmental and social impacts often pitting industry interests against those of local communities. Traditional leaders play a crucial role in bridging this divide, as they are often the custodians of community interests and values. This panel discussion will explore the role of traditional leadership in tailings dam management, highlighting best practices and challenges in ensuring responsible mining practices.
The discussion will bring together traditional leaders, industry representatives, and government officials to share experiences and insights on how traditional leadership can facilitate community engagement, resolve conflicts, and promote sustainable development. Panelists will discuss the importance of recognizing and respecting traditional authority structures in tailings dam management, and explore ways to strengthen collaboration between traditional leaders, industry, and government.
Key topics to be discussed include the role of traditional leaders in facilitating community consent for mining projects, managing conflicts over tailings dam management, and promoting sustainable livelihoods for affected communities.
Key Questions:
- What is the role of traditional leadership in ensuring responsible tailings dam management?
- How can traditional leaders facilitate community engagement and consent for mining projects?
- What are the challenges and opportunities for collaboration between traditional leaders, industry, and government in tailings dam management?
HRH Chief Mumena
HRH Key Message: “Environmental protection requires commitment from state and non-state actors including private sector.”
His Royal Highness Chief Mnukwa, Eastern Province
HRH Key message: “We must ensure that business practices contribute to and adequately support environmental protection activities.”
Her Royal Highness Chieftainess Msoro, Eastern Province
HRH Key message: “Traditional leaders plays a critical role in the management of natural resources and must be involved in decision-making process at all levels.”
Her Royal Highness Chieftainess Muwezwa, Southern Province
HRH Key message: “Traditional leaders have a crucial role to play owing to their authority and proximity to the people and their primary mandate to preserve customs and traditions derived from the Constitution.”
Zambia Chamber of Mines
Website: http://mines.org.zm/
Zambia Chamber of Mines is the industry association representing major mining and allied companies in Zambia, both large and small, operating under a constitution and voluntary membership scheme. It plays a central role in policy advocacy, promoting responsible and sustainable mining practices while coordinating sector-wide initiatives including mine rescue services, health, safety, environmental standards, and industry-wide emergency preparedness. The Chamber also serves as the key voice of Zambia’s mining industry in engagement with government and investors, working to attract investment, support industry growth, and safeguard both mining sector and community interests.
Website: https://southernafricatrust.org/
Southern Africa Trust is an independent regional non-profit organization, established in 2005, committed to amplifying the voice and agency of impoverished and marginalized people in Southern Africa. It works through civil-society engagement, capacity building, and policy advocacy to influence regional and national policies, aiming to reduce poverty, inequality and promote social justice. Its work spans climate justice and natural resource management, gender justice, youth empowerment and social protection, helping ensure that communities, especially vulnerable and excluded groups, have a seat at the table in decisions that affect their lives.
