A technical team engaged by the government under the Zambia Mining and Environmental Remediation and Improvement Project (ZAMNEX) has arrived in Northwestern Province to support the development of national mine closure guidelines.

The team will consult local communities and traditional leaders to understand how mine closures may affect people whose livelihoods depend on mining.

Mine Closure Work Coordinator and Senior Geologist Anna Apler said during a courtesy call on the Provincial Administration in Solwezi that inadequate mine closure planning can lead to long‑term environmental damage and prolonged socio‑economic challenges for mining‑dependent communities.

“We are here in North Western Province to listen to the views of as many people as possible because mine closure may mean different things to different people,” she said.

Dr Apler noted that with several mines in the province approaching mid‑ to late‑life stages, this is an opportune moment to assess how mine closure is currently planned and governed.

Meanwhile, Northwestern Province Deputy Permanent Secretary Luckson Mulumbi said mine closure planning is a critical component of mining operations.