ZCCM-IH and NIR Commit to Sustainable Mining Practices
ZCCM Investments Holdings Plc (ZCCM-IH) and the International Council of Swedish Industry (NIR) have officially launched a strategic Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) partnership, with support from the Embassy of Sweden in Lusaka.
The agreement was formalised at a signing ceremony at the ZCCM-IH Head Office, marking a significant step towards advancing responsible mining and sustainable value creation across ZCCM-IH’s investment portfolio.
The Ambassador of Sweden to Zambia, Mr Johan Hallenborg, emphasised that mining is a key driver of the Zambian economy, positioning ZCCM-IH as a vital public sector player. He highlighted the sector’s inherent ESG risks, which affect ecosystems, labour rights, community safety and transparency.
He added that the partnership would help ensure these risks are addressed strategically, while also enhancing business and investment opportunities.
Speaking on behalf of NIR, Ms Laureen McIntosh, Head of Compliance, praised ZCCM-IH’s leadership in integrating ESG principles. She noted that NIR’s engagement with several ZCCM-IH subsidiaries revealed the company’s strong commitment to its ESG journey, with both short- and long-term actions reflecting a shared organisational vision.
ZCCM-IH Chief Executive Officer, Mr Kakenenwa Muyangwa, described the partnership as more than a formal ceremony, calling it “a declaration of shared ambition, a commitment to sustainable growth and a pledge to advance our sustainability agenda.”
He acknowledged the major challenges facing modern mining operations, including climate change, social inclusion and governance, and said that collaboration with local and international experts would equip ZCCM-IH to manage these issues while ensuring Zambia’s mineral wealth delivers lasting value for all citizens.
The partnership aims to strengthen:
- ESG governance and reporting systems
- Environmental stewardship and climate resilience
- Community impact, safety and social inclusion
- Transparency and investor confidence
As Zambia continues to develop its critical minerals sector and deepen its role in the global energy transition, ZCCM-IH is committed to ensuring that mining is not only profitable but also principled, inclusive and transformative.
