Environmental Assessments & Compliance
Get your project environmentally approved and keep it compliant.
Overview
Most new developments in Zambia need environmental approval from the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) before construction starts. We prepare and submit the right assessment for your project - an Environmental and Social Project Brief for smaller projects or a full Environmental and Social Impact Statement for larger ones - and the environmental and waste management plans that keep an operating site compliant afterwards. We work with mines, quarries, fuel stations, solar and agricultural projects, factories, lodges and property developers.
Services Included
- ✓ Screening: confirming which ZEMA assessment class your project falls into
- ✓ Environmental and Social Project Briefs (ESPB)
- ✓ Environmental and Social Impact Statements (ESIS / full EIA), including public consultation
- ✓ Environmental management and monitoring plans
- ✓ Waste management plans for construction sites and operating businesses
- ✓ Environmental planning advice for new sites and expansions
- ✓ Follow-up with ZEMA through to the decision letter
Who This Is For
- • Developers planning new buildings, estates or industrial sites
- • Mining, quarrying and mineral processing operations
- • Fuel stations, factories and manufacturing plants
- • Solar, agriculture, tourism and lodge projects
- • Existing businesses asked by ZEMA or a council to show environmental compliance
Typical Timeline
Project briefs typically take a few weeks to prepare including site visits; full impact statements take longer because of specialist studies and public consultation. ZEMA's review periods are set by the EIA Regulations, 2026.
Our Process
- 1
Project screening
We review your project's size, location and sector and confirm which assessment ZEMA will require.
- 2
Site visit & studies
Our team visits the site, gathers baseline information and consults affected stakeholders where required.
- 3
Report preparation
We write the project brief or impact statement, with practical environmental and waste management plans.
- 4
Submission & follow-up
We submit to ZEMA, respond to queries and follow up until the decision letter is issued.
- 5
Ongoing compliance
Optional support with monitoring, plan updates and reporting once your project is running.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my project need an EIA?
Most new projects need some level of environmental assessment. Under Zambia's EIA Regulations, 2026, projects are grouped into classes: smaller ones need a project brief, larger or more sensitive ones a full impact statement. We screen your project and tell you exactly which applies.
Can I start building before ZEMA approves?
No. Starting a project that needs environmental approval before receiving ZEMA's decision letter is an offence and can lead to fines, suspension or orders to stop work. Build the assessment into your project timeline from the start.
What is a waste management plan?
A written plan showing how your site will reduce, separate, store, transport and dispose of its waste, and who is responsible. It is often required as part of an environmental assessment and is good practice for any business producing significant waste.