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?
Petronella Chungu, Mineral Regulation Commission (MRC)
Petronella Z. Chungu is a Senior Minerals Security Officer at the Mineral Regulation Commission (MRC) with over eight years of professional experience in safety, health and environmental management within the mining sector. She holds a bachelor’s degree in mining engineering and a Master of Science in Environmental Engineering.
Prior to joining the Mineral Regulation Commission, Petronella worked with the Mines Safety Department under the Ministry of Mines, where she was involved in promoting compliance with mining, safety, health and environmental legislation. Her professional experience includes regulatory oversight, environmental compliance and supporting responsible and sustainable mining practices.
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/
Panelist: Elijah Mtonga
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.
Walusiku Luputa, NCA-DCA Zambia
Website: https://www.kirkensnodhjelp.no/en
Walusiku Luputa is an environmental and development professional with over 7 years of experience supporting programme implementation, stakeholder coordination, governance, advocacy, and sustainable development initiatives across Zambia and Sub-Saharan Africa. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies with merit from the University of Zambia and has practical experience with international and local non-profit organisations, including Norwegian Church Aid and DanChurchAid, UNICEF, the Association for Aid and Relief Japan, and ActionAid’s Global Platforms. Her academic training and professional work span environmental management, climate resilience, sustainable livelihoods, food security, climate-resilient agriculture, natural resource governance, disaster risk reduction, and social engagement, underpinned by strong skills in stakeholder coordination, project management, and effective communication with government institutions, communities, and civil society organisations.
Eng. Simukali Mulongwe, UNDP Zambia
Website: https://www.undp.org/zambia
Eng. Simukali Mulongwe is a Mining and Environmental Engineer with over fourteen (14) years of both private and public sector including international organization. He holds a Bachelor of Mining Engineering, Bachelor of Laws, and a Master of Environmental Engineering. He is working as a Project Specialist and Leads the Extractives portfolio under the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Zambia Country office. He is the national coordinator for the Mining Environmental Governance Programme (UNDP) and ACP EU Development minerals Programme – Zambia
Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA)
Website: https://www.zema.org.zm/
Panelist: Benson Chongo
The Zambia Environmental Management Agency is the national regulatory authority responsible for environmental protection, pollution control, and sustainable natural resource management in Zambia. It issues environmental permits, monitors compliance with environmental laws and standards, and enforces regulations on waste management, mining impacts, water quality, and ecosystem protection. ZEMA works to safeguard human health and ecological integrity by reviewing project environmental impact assessments, conducting inspections, and overseeing mitigation measures. Its role is central to ensuring that industrial and development projects in Zambia minimize environmental harm and promote sustainable practices.
Moderator: Nalucha Nganga, WWF Zambia
Website: https://www.worldwildlife.org/
Nalucha Nganga is the country director at WWF. She is a public policy and human rights specialist with over 20 years’ experience in advocacy, strategy development, programme design and management, and promoting women and youth participation in leadership. She has more than 15 years in senior management roles focused on fundraising and resource mobilisation with major donors, regional experience leading women’s voice and leadership initiatives across several African countries, and currently serves as a Commissioner on Zambia’s Anti-Corruption Commission and a council member of Transparency International.
