Albidon Lacks Environmental Assessment report on its extension project

The Environmental Council of Zambia (ECZ)  says it has not yet received an Environmental Assessment Report (EAR) concerning the extra 2,100
hectares of land applied for by Albidon Nickel Mine in Mazabuka mugoti area.

ECZ Communications Officer, Chama Nyendwa noted that her organisation only approved 3,000 hectares of the study mine and  resettlement plan adding that no report has
been received from the mine on the 2,100 extension of  land.

Mrs Nyendwa said this in an interview with the Zambia News and Information Services(ZANIS) in Lusaka today.

She explained that there is need for the Mine management to submit the report to the ECZ before applying for an extension of land.

Mrs Nyendwa said some officers have since been sent to the area to investigate the matter adding that the council will issue a comprehensive statement once
investigations are done.

Albidon Nickel Mine has applied for extension of 2,100 hectares of land from the Mazubuka council, however, this has raised controversy among chiefs, politicians and
surrounding communities stating that the  land has no environment assessment report

It is feared that about 200 villagers risk been displaced by the expansion of the mining operations in the area.