Environmental Governance and Compliance Incentives in Zambian Mining Entities,

This study examines environmental governance and compliance in Zambian mining entities within the context of the broader mineral sector. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative data analysis with qualitative interviews of stakeholders involved in environmental governance within the sector. Specifically, a regression model was used to analyse the impact of incentives on compliance rates, with robust standard errors accounting for potential measurement error and omitted variable bias. Findings indicate that approximately 65% of mining entities reported receiving financial incentives from government bodies aimed at improving environmental performance. However, only 40% of these entities implemented measures aligned with the regulatory requirements despite having access to such incentives. Despite a significant provision of compliance incentives, there appears to be a mismatch between what is provided and what is actually enacted by mining companies. Recommendations include strengthening enforcement mechanisms for existing regulations and exploring alternative incentive structures that are more closely aligned with actual needs and practices within the sector. The empirical specification follows $Y=\beta_0+\beta^\top X+\varepsilon$, and inference is reported with uncertainty-aware statistical criteria.