Chief Mbuluma backs mining in Lower Zambezi
By OLIVER SAMBOKO
THE proposed establishment of an open-pit copper mine in the Zambezi Lower National Park should go ahead as planned, as it will not only create employment but also contribute to economic growth, says senior chief Mbuluma.
Senior Chief Mbuluma of the Nsenga Ludzi people of Luangwa, said the Kangaluwi Mine project should be expedited and accused those opposing the venture of harboring a hidden agenda that has nothing to do with protecting the environmental or wild animals.
The traditional leader said the delay in allowing license holder, Mwembeshi Resources Ltd to develop the Mine was not only detrimental to the interests of the people in the area but also hindrance to the country’s economic development.
He said the traditional leadership in the area are in a hurry to see the Mine start its operations and contributing to well-being of the locals through job creation, and to the national economy through paying of taxes to government.
The traditional leader said the delay should not even arise because, the High Court of Zambia dismissed the challenge brought by those opposed to the Mine in favour of Mwembeshi in 2018, and finally the court of appeals dismissed it in a judgment delivered by Justice Ngulube in February 2021.
He wondered why those opposing the Mine, if really they mean well, have not engaged the traditional leadership who are the custodians of the land in question.
“The simple answer is that they know that what they are preaching, that the Mine will damage the environment and disturb the animal corridor is false and only meant to gain sympathy,” he said.
However, the opponents of the mine, have said allowing the project to go ahead would negatively impact the environment and disturb the animal corridor which would affect the tourism sector in the area.
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