The Human Rights Commission of Zambia (HRC-Z) has conducted a compliance monitoring exercise targeting quarry and artisanal mining operations in Lusaka Province, following growing concerns over environmental pollution, land degradation, water pollution, poor working conditions, occupational safety and community welfare around the extractive sector.
The monitoring exercise, conducted by the Commission from 21st to 24th May 2026, assessed compliance with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, focusing on human rights policy commitments and Human Rights Due Diligence in quarry, artisanal and small-scale mining operations.
The Commission visited Chilanga and Kafue Districts, where engagements were held with company management, workers, and surrounding communities.
During the exercise, the Commission observed varying levels of compliance among the companies visited. While some operators had provided workers with personal protective equipment such as helmets, reflective jackets, gloves, goggles, and safety boots, several gaps in the area of human rights policy commitment and human rights due diligence requiring improvement were identified.
Among the concerns raised were excessive dust and noise pollution, inadequate safety signage, limited access to first aid facilities, insufficient occupational safety training for casual workers, and inconsistent use of protective equipment by some employees.
Workers interviewed by the Commission also complained of poor working conditions and limited awareness of the grievance redress mechanism.
The Commission further noted environmental and community concerns, including dust emissions affecting nearby residential and farming communities, road damage caused by heavy-duty trucks, and limited community engagement initiatives.
Community members expressed concern over the long-term environmental and health impacts of quarry activities, particularly regarding air quality, road safety, and the condition of agricultural land.
The Commission has since urged quarry and mining companies to strengthen their human rights policy commitments and human rights due diligence processes, enhance occupational safety measures, improve working conditions and scale up environmental protection initiatives
The Commission has also called on relevant Government institutions to strengthen inspections and enforcement of labour, mining, and environmental regulations in order to promote responsible and sustainable mining practices that uphold human rights and community welfare.
