Zambia to Launch Mercury-Free Mining Project Under GEMINI Initiative
Zambia to Implement US$5 Million GEMINI Project in 2027 to Eliminate Mercury Use in Mining
Zambia is set to launch the Zambia Child Project in 2027 under the Global Elimination of Mercury in Non-Ferrous Metals Initiative (GEMINI), a global programme aimed at phasing out the use of mercury in mineral processing.
The US$5 million project will be financed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented by the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA), with technical support from the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
The initiative was confirmed during a courtesy call by UNIDO on the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, Dr Douty Chibamba, where discussions focused on project implementation and inter-agency collaboration.
Dr Chibamba welcomed the initiative, describing it as timely as Zambia steps up efforts to eliminate mercury use in mining, particularly in copper, zinc, and gold production. He stressed the importance of balancing increased mineral output with environmental protection and public health.
“Zambia must increase copper production, but not at the expense of human health or the environment. This position has been clearly articulated by the Republican President. Technologies that enable responsible mining are therefore highly welcome,” Dr Chibamba said.
Discussions also centred on aligning national strategies toward a mercury-free mining sector, in line with Zambia’s ambition to raise copper production to three million tonnes annually by 2031, while meeting international environmental obligations.
Meanwhile, UNIDO Project Administrator Mr Kinsco Vizi said the project would work closely with local communities to raise awareness about the dangers of mercury.
He noted that mercury is highly toxic, contaminating air, soil, and water, and posing serious risks to human health, ecosystems, and livelihoods.
The Government reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible mining, as Zambia continues to pursue economic growth driven by the minerals sector.
