Group raises the alarm over land grabs, environmental degradation by mineral-seeking entities

Care for Nature Zambia (CNZ) has expressed concern over the rising vulnerability of communities to land grabs, environmental degradation and water pollution, driven by the increased demand for critical minerals.

Nsama Kearns, CNZ Executive Director, highlighted the growing pressure from investors seeking Zambia’s mineral resources, particularly in districts like Mansa in Luapula Province.

Speaking to Zambia Monitor on Monday, Kearns revealed that women from manganese-rich communities in Kabunda Matelo have reported negative impacts on their land rights and livelihoods due to mining activities.

“About 2,000 households in Kabunda Matelo are living without land security, and the only way to protect them from displacement is through obtaining customary land titles,” Kearns said.

She emphasized the urgent need for traditional land certificates in these areas.

Kearns noted that the land, which had been passed down through generations, was now under threat as mining licenses have been issued over ancestral territories.

She stressed that a just energy transition could only occur if environmental safeguards were in place and communities are protected from human rights violations.

She acknowledged that while the global shift to clean energy presented significant economic opportunities for Zambia—especially with the demand for minerals like copper, cobalt, nickel, lithium and manganese—the benefits must not come at the expense of local communities.

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