All photography provided by AESC

Since January 2018, Armitage Environmental and Social Consulting has provided E&S consulting services to Zambian and sub-Saharan African clients in the mining, agriculture, solar, hydro power and financial services sectors.

 

Our Values

Environmental and social sustainability is at the heart of our work and underpins the advice we provide to our clients. We are committed to due process and evidence-based practice, engaging local and international specialists and working collaboratively with clients, stakeholders, and affected communities.

Our approach is rooted in integrity, rigour, and transparency. We strive to identify and assess critical environmental and social issues early in the project lifecycle, and to design practical, context-sensitive solutions that enhance positive outcomes and minimise adverse impacts—through avoidance, minimisation, restoration, compensation, and offsetting.

We aim to get the balance right.

“Thank you for the constructive collaboration with Credit Suisse on this mandate, it was a pleasure working with Armitage Environmental and Social Consulting both on- and off-site. ”
— Bruno Bischoff CREDIT SUISSE AG Head of Sustainability Affairs

What We've Achieved Since January 2018

Armitage Environmental and Social Consulting has successfully delivered over 40 assignments across mining, energy, agriculture, manufacturing, conservation, and infrastructure sectors. Our work spans Environmental and Social Due Diligence (ESDD), Impact Assessments (ESIA), Management Systems (ESMS), Resettlement Action Plans (RAP), and social research, supporting both public and private sector clients throughout the region.

Environmental and Social Due Diligence (ESDD)

We have undertaken due diligence reviews for financial institutions, investors, and development partners in alignment with international performance standards.

Highlights include:

  • ESG review for agricultural investments – AgriVie (Zambia)

  • Due diligence for solar projects – Confidential (Zambia)

  • Review of a fuel-efficient stove manufacturing project – Rise Sustainability (Zambia)

  • Confidential mining sector reviews – Credit Suisse and Micon (Zambia), Indonesia, Ethiopia

  • Port infrastructure ESDD – Netherlands Commission for Environmental Assessment (Zambia)

Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA)

We lead the preparation of ESIAs and related studies for large-scale infrastructure and natural resource projects, ensuring compliance with both Zambian regulatory frameworks and international standards.

Representative projects:

  • Multiple run-of-river hydropower ESIA assignments – Aurecon/Zutari, EcoPower, Fichtner, Anzana, New Africa Power

  • ESIA and RAP for large-scale irrigated agriculture – IDC and Infraco Africa (Luswishi and Kafue)

  • Impact assessments for solar energy projects – ENGIE, Neoen, Mulilo Energy, Western Solar Power, Total Eren

  • ESIA for proposed railway rehabilitation – Zambia Railways Limited, Lobito Corridor

  • Mining sector assessments in Zambia and DRC – Chemaf, Barrick Lumwana, Mingomba Mining Limited, Konkola Copper Mines, Mopani

Environmental and Social Management Systems (ESMS)

We help organisations strengthen their Environmental and Social Governance (ESG) through the design, implementation, and improvement of management systems.

Key engagements:

  • IFC and ISO 14001:2015-compliant ESMS – Sanbrado Gold Mine, Burkina Faso

  • ESG systems development for financial and manufacturing sectors – ZANACO, Zambia Fresh

  • ESMS framework for a national nutrition programme – UNICEF SUN II

  • Systems design for conservation initiatives – Frankfurt Zoological Society (North Luangwa)

Resettlement Action Planning (RAP)

We support clients in the development and implementation of fair and transparent resettlement processes that align with both local legislation and international standards.

Recent projects:

  • Lumwana Mine Expansion RAP - Lumwana Mining Company

  • Lumwana Housing Development RAP – Lumwana Mining Company

  • Zambia Railways Rehabilitation Project Resettlement Policy Framework - SLR / IDC

  • Hydropower-related resettlement (Gold award from the Hydropower Sustainability Standard) – Western Power

  • RAP and grievance mechanism implementation – Infraco Africa, Chiansi Canal Project

  • RAP monitoring and audit – Maamba Collieries, Ilute Solar

Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) Support

We provide regular HSE audits and advisory services to support safe and compliant project delivery.

Examples:

  • Bi-annual HSE audits for mining and thermal power operations – Maamba Collieries

  • Daily HSE support for infrastructure development – Infraco Africa, Chiansi Canal Project

Social Research and Stakeholder Engagement

We conduct detailed social analysis and facilitate inclusive stakeholder engagement to inform conservation, infrastructure, and community development initiatives.

Key studies:

  • Socio-economic surveys and resource use assessments – Wildlife Crime Prevention, Conserve

  • Social baseline and stakeholder analysis – Frankfurt Zoological Society, Tondwa and Nsumbu GMAs