Reclaiming Balance: Empowering Youth Through Sustainable Mining Practices

As Zambia experiences a modern-day gold rush, many have raised concerns about how the nation’s natural wealth is being managed - and whether ordinary citizens are truly benefiting.

Amid high youth unemployment, small-scale mining has emerged as a promising opportunity for empowerment. Yet, it has also exposed significant risks: unsafe mining practices have led to loss of life, while the lack of regulation and security in mining camps creates space for criminal activity and public health crises.

When large numbers of youth converge on mining camps without proper sanitation, disease outbreaks become likely. The absence of oversight from health authorities poses a serious risk to both the miners and nearby communities. Furthermore, without a sound governance framework for small-scale mining, the government misses out on valuable tax revenue; resources that could improve local infrastructure, healthcare, and education. It is crucial that a lasting, inclusive solution be developed in partnership with mining communities. One that balances economic opportunity with social and environmental responsibility.

Traditionally, our relationship with the land has been sacred. Long before colonization, harmony with nature - our soil, forests, and wildlife - was at the heart of our culture and spirituality. Today, short-term exploitation threatens to break that harmony. The environmental damage left behind after minerals are extracted - unproductive land, deforested areas, and disrupted ecosystems - often has long-term consequences that are costly, and sometimes impossible, to reverse.

The recent drought during the 2023/2024 farming season serves as a clear warning. Its effects were felt across the country, urban and rural alike. Even those not directly involved in agriculture experienced power cuts and water shortages. These disruptions underscore the critical role that environmental health plays in national stability. Unfortunately, many mining sites lack clear environmental guidelines or plans for land restoration. As an environmental and forestry specialist, I urge both government institutions and local mining communities to jointly develop a robust Environmental and Social Governance (ESG) framework. Protecting our natural heritage is not only an act of stewardship but an investment in the future.

Although Zambia has existing environmental protection laws and policies, implementation remains weak. The biggest gaps lie in enforcement, public education, and citizen involvement. Every Zambian - not just officials - must become a guardian of the land. To those unfamiliar with the role of forests and trees in our lives, it’s important to understand that their benefits go far beyond what we can see. Forests regulate our weather, purify our air, support agriculture, and even influence our mental health. They are the backbone of our ecosystem and our wellbeing.

Benefits of Sustainable Mining
1. Long-Term Land Productivity: Good mining practices allow the land to remain productive even after minerals are extracted. Through proper planning and cooperation, mining can coexist with farming, forestry, and wildlife conservation. This ensures food security and a healthy environment for future generations.

2. Biodiversity Protection: Mining areas are often rich in plant and animal life. These ecosystems are vital - not just for balance in nature, but also for human survival. Forests support rainfall, offer medicinal plants, and provide habitats for animals that contribute to food chains and traditional livelihoods.

3. Public Health and Wellbeing: Research shows that trees and green spaces contribute significantly to mental and physical health. They reduce stress, clean the air, and support happiness hormones that promote better quality of life.

4. Climate Resilience: Healthy environments are more resilient to climate change. By preserving forests and adopting greener mining methods, we reduce the risks of droughts, floods, and extreme weather.

Conclusion
Zambia stands at a crossroads. We can either pursue quick gains at great environmental cost or build a sustainable future rooted in knowledge, responsibility, and harmony with nature. Let us empower our youth not only with jobs but with a mindset that values and protects the land.