Catholic bishop calls for transparency in mining sector

Tue, 28 Feb 2017 10:47:43 +0000

By VIOLET TEMBO

GOVERNMENT should be in the forefront promoting transparency and accountability in the mining sector for the benefit of communities in areas of operation, says Ndola Diocese Catholic Bishop Alick Banda.

Bishop Banda said communities in the mining areas could benefit from the extractive industry when mining companies started taking corporate social responsibility seriously.

He said CSR projects would lay the foundation of sustainability integrated with best practices of responsible mining.

“On mining concessions and agreements we demand that there be transparency and accountability starting with the affected communities to policy makers.

“Government, mining investors including the traditional chiefs, should lead the way in promoting transparency. In as much as we appreciate what the mining sector is doing in creating employment and contributing to growth of our economy, the church is still challenging the mining sector to do more,” he said

Bishop Banda said there was great public relations of mining firms about various projects being undertaken but very little was being  done in communities where mining activities were taking place.

“Let them draw lessons from former Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines (ZCCM-IH) when it was in charge of the mines.

‘‘It tirelessly promoted efforts in maintenance of roads, provision of safe drinking water, provided adequate medicines and supported recreation facilities in various mining communities,” he said.

Bishop Banda said strides attained by the previous mine managements ought to remind the current mining investors that success could be measured on how stakeholders were empowered in a sustainable way.