On 18th June, 2026, the Human Rights Commission of Zambia (HRC-Z) participated in the inaugural District Alternative Mining Indaba (DAMI) held in Mapatizya, Zimba District, Southern Province.

During the event, the Commission was represented by Senior Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Mr. Justine Kapunda, who delivered a presentation titled “Human Rights Considerations in the Extractive Sector: Protecting Communities and Promoting Accountability.”

Mr. Kapunda highlighted the critical importance of integrating human rights principles into the extractive sector to ensure that economic development does not compromise community rights, environmental sustainability, and local livelihoods.

He emphasised that state and corporate actors must guarantee Zimba communities meaningful participation in decision-making, unhindered access to information, environmental protection, and effective mechanisms for legal remedy.

Mr. Kapunda further underscored that government institutions, mining companies, civil society organisations, and traditional leaders share a collective responsibility to enforce responsible extractive practices.

Held under the theme “From Mineral Extraction to Sustainable Community Development,” the indaba convened government ministries, traditional leaders, civil society networks, and community stakeholders to establish practical accountability and inclusive growth frameworks for emerging mining activities in Zimba District.