The use of the Environmental Protection Fund for sustainable mining in Zambia: A comparative case study of Konkola Copper Mines and Lubambe Copper Mines

The Environmental Protection Fund is a pivotal instrument in the promotion of sustainable mining practices and the mitigation of adverse environmental and social impacts of mining in Zambia. Designed to promote sustainable mining, the EPF's effectiveness is evaluated in this study through a comparative analysis of Konkola Copper Mines and Lubambe Copper Mines. However, its effectiveness is uncertain due to inadequate funding (ZMW 18.8 million by 2021), weak enforcement, and unclear governance. Many mining companies struggle with compliance, and fund allocation lacks transparency. This study undertakes a comparative analysis of two mining companies, Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) and Lubambe Copper Mines (LCM), to gauge the effectiveness of the Environmental Protection Fund in achieving these objectives. The findings reveal that mining companies in Zambia, while demonstrating moderate compliance with the Environmental Protection Fund, still encounter challenges in its implementation. For instance, there is a lack of clear guidelines for audit reports, and the participation of interested and affected parties (IAP) in decision-making is limited. To enhance the effectiveness of the Environmental Protection Fund, the study proposes the establishment of clear and standardised guidelines for audit reports and the measurement of contributions, the appointment of a dedicated fund manager, and the engagement of IAP for a more inclusive decision-making process that is crucial for the success of the Environmental Protection Fund. • Mining firms in Zambia show moderate compliance with the EPF. • Weak audit guidance and bank guarantee challenges limit EPF effectiveness. • Community and NGO stakeholders have minimal influence in EPF decisions.