Topic - Zambia Regulatory Frameworks for Tailings Dams: Are they Adequate?
Background
The recent tailings dam failures in Zambia have raised concerns about the adequacy of the country’s regulatory frameworks and standards for tailings dams. This panel discussion will bring together regulators, industry experts, and civil society representatives to assess the effectiveness of current regulatory frameworks and standards for tailings dams in Zambia, and identify potential areas of improvement.
The discussion will examine the existing regulatory regime, including the Mines and Minerals Development Act, the Environmental Management Act, and relevant regulations and guidelines. Panelists will discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the current frameworks, and identify gaps and challenges in implementation and enforcement. The discussion will also explore international best practices and standards for tailings dam regulation, and consider how Zambia can learn from other countries’ experiences.
Key topics to be discussed include the adequacy of current regulations and standards, the role of government agencies in regulating tailings dams, and the importance of transparency and community engagement in tailings dam management.
Key Questions:
- Are Zambia’s current regulatory frameworks and standards for tailings dams adequate?
- What are the strengths and weaknesses of the current regulatory regime?
- What are the priority areas for improvement and reform?
Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development
Website: https://www.mmmd.gov.zm/
The Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development is the Zambian government body responsible for overseeing the country’s mineral resources and mining sector. It formulates and implements policies, grants mining and exploration licenses, and monitors compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards. In doing so, it aims to ensure that mining development contributes to sustainable economic growth and benefits the people of Zambia.
Ministry of Water Development
Website: https://www.mwds.gov.zm/
The Ministry of Water Development is the government institution responsible for the management, development and regulation of water resources and services in Zambia. It oversees water supply systems, ensures access to safe and sustainable water for communities, and develops policy frameworks for water resource management and sanitation. It plays a central role in coordinating water infrastructure projects, supporting health and environmental safeguards, and contributing to national development goals. Its work is critical in ensuring that water — a fundamental resource — is managed responsibly to support both people’s livelihoods and the environment.
NCA-DCA Zambia
Website: https://www.kirkensnodhjelp.no/en
NCA-DCA Zambia is a merged country programme where Norwegian Church Aid and DanChurchAid collaborate to advance social justice, gender equality, and community empowerment across Zambia. The office works through partnerships with local civil society organisations to promote rights-holder participation, especially among women and youth, and to address issues like inequality, economic empowerment, and access to essential services. Its current programmes focus on Climate-Smart Economic Empowerment, Gender Justice (including prevention of gender-based violence), and Fighting Inequality, aiming to build a more inclusive, just and resilient Zambia.
UNDP Zambia
Website: https://www.undp.org/zambia
NCA-DCA Zambia is a merged country programme where Norwegian Church Aid and DanChurchAid collaborate to advance social justice, gender equality, and community empowerment across Zambia. The office works through partnerships with local civil society organisations to promote rights-holder participation, especially among women and youth, and to address issues like inequality, economic empowerment, and access to essential services. Its current programmes focus on Climate-Smart Economic Empowerment, Gender Justice (including prevention of gender-based violence), and Fighting Inequality, aiming to build a more inclusive, just and resilient Zambia.
First Quantum Minerals
Website: https://www.first-quantum.com/
First Quantum Minerals is a global mining company that operates two major mines in Zambia: the Kansanshi Mine near Solwezi and the Sentinel Mine (also known as FQM Trident) in Kalumbila, both in the North-Western Province. The company produces copper, its core commodity, along with other metals such as gold and nickel, and invests in both mining operations and community development. First Quantum has also supported infrastructure, local employment, and social programs to help ensure its operations benefit Zambian communities.
Moderator: WWF Zambia Country
Website: https://www.worldwildlife.org/
WWF Zambia is the national office of the global conservation organisation World Wide Fund for Nature operating in Zambia since 1962. Its mission is to conserve Zambia’s biodiversity, protect rivers, forests, wildlife and ecosystems, and promote sustainable use of natural resources to secure both nature and human well-being. Over many decades, WWF Zambia has implemented conservation projects, supported natural resource management, environmental protection, and worked to ensure sustainable livelihoods that depend on healthy ecosystems.
