Bridging the Gap: Legal Expertise in Zambia’s Critical Minerals Future

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As Africa stands at the crossroads of global critical minerals supply and sustainable development, Zambia’s rich mineral endowment positions it as a key player in future-proofing the continent’s mining sector. In this interview, Mulenga Mundashi Legal Practitioners (“MMLP”), a leading Zambian legal practice, shares insights on navigating the evolving landscape of critical minerals development. With the Mining Indaba’s focus on industrializing Africa and maximizing the continent’s critical minerals potential, MMLP offers unique perspectives on how legal expertise can bridge the gap between international investment and local development objectives. From technology adoption to community engagement, environmental stewardship to regulatory compliance, the firm discusses its role in future-proofing Zambia’s mining sector while addressing key priorities including industrialization, community development, and the just energy transition.

Speaking with Mike Chilufya , we explore how legal frameworks are adapting to support Africa’s mining transformation while ensuring benefits flow to local communities and future generations. This conversation provides valuable insights for investors, mining companies, and stakeholders looking to participate in Zambia’s critical minerals opportunity.

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Our firm has over two decades of experience within Zambia’s mining sector. We have been privileged to successfully advise on multiple critical mineral projects from exploration through to production, handling everything from licensing to compliance. Drawing on our appreciation of local regulations and international standards in critical minerals development, we are uniquely positioned to help shape a sustainable future for the sector.

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While there may be a number of challenges, our experience has shown that there are three main challenges we help clients navigate in future-proofing their investments. First, understanding the evolving regulatory framework. Second, structuring investments to meet international standards and local content requirements that will drive Africa’s industrialization, although the regulation on local content in Zambia is still under discussion. Third, managing community relations and social licence to operate. Our firm has developed specific expertise in each of these areas, ensuring that mining operations contribute meaningfully to local industrial development.

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Zambia is strategically positioned, particularly with its copper resources, to play a crucial role in future-proofing Africa’s contribution to the global energy transition. We are seeing increased interest from international investors, especially in the electric vehicle and renewable energy sectors. Further, the recent climate challenges to our hydro energy position us uniquely in the just energy transition. Our role is to facilitate these investments while ensuring they align with Zambian development objectives and benefit future generations.

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Recent regulatory changes have focused on increasing transparency, local benefit sharing, and environmental sustainability. We have been actively involved in helping clients adapt to these changes, particularly in areas like environmental compliance, community development agreements, and net zero transition planning. Our firm maintains close relationships with regulatory bodies to stay ahead of any developments that could impact on our clients’ sustainability goals.

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We take a holistic approach, advising clients not just on mining operations but on entire value chain development. This includes guidance on local processing facilities, skills development programs, and technology transfer agreements. Our aim is to help create sustainable mining operations that contribute to Zambia’s industrial development and future-proof the sector for coming generations.

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Game-changing technologies are transforming mining operations, and we have developed specific expertise in the legal frameworks surrounding digital transformation. This includes advising on automation regulations, data protection requirements, and intellectual property rights for mining innovations. These technologies are crucial for future-proofing African mining, enhancing safety, efficiency, and environmental protection.

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We have developed an ESG advisory service that helps clients meet both local and international standards, with health and safety as a cornerstone. This includes environmental compliance, community engagement frameworks, and governance structures. We particularly focus on helping clients develop robust sustainability strategies that align with global best practices while ensuring the highest standards of worker protection.

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The key is to approach investment with a long-term perspective focused on future-proofing operations. Understanding local context is crucial, not just regulations but also community dynamics and development objectives. We recommend early engagement with legal counsel to structure investments that will benefit both current and future generations.

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As we look towards future-proofing African mining, MMLP remains committed to provide legal innovation and expertise in Zambia’s mining sector. Zambia recent regulation changes, combined with the evolving global mining landscape, presents both challenges and opportunities. Our firm’s appreciation of both local and international mining frameworks, coupled with our decades of experience, positions us uniquely to help mining companies navigate this transformation.

The future of mining in Africa is bright, and with the right legal guidance and partnership, we can ensure that this future benefits all stakeholders while meeting global standards for responsible and sustainable mining practices.

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The information provided in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Transmission or receipt of the information contained in this article does not create a lawyer-client relationship. Readers should not act upon this information without seeking professional counsel.

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Mike Chilufya

Partner

T: +260-211-254248/50 M: +260 972 897 883

E: [email protected]

Mike is a Partner in the corporate, finance and commercial transactions services team, with a broad range of experience in domestic and cross-border banking and finance, and M&A transactions. This includes sovereign financing, ESG financing, project financing, corporate and individual financing, workouts and restructuring, property finance, and acquisition finance. He has worked with lenders, borrowers, and sponsors on various types of financing transactions, such as syndicated, bilateral, secured, unsecured, and structured financing. Mike has dealt with a diverse range of collateral assets such as shares, land, bank accounts, intellectual property, revenue streams, insurance policies, and other contractual rights.

Mike is ranked as a ?????????????? ???????????????????????? in ?????????????? ?????????????? and ?????????????? ?????????????????????? in Zambia by ???????????????? ???????? ?????????? ????????, which is a guide to the world’s leading financial and corporate lawyers, for his commitment to maintaining high standards while working with clients.