Zambia Strengthens Sustainable Gold Mining Through Landmark ZCCM-IH and planetGOLD Partnership

Zambia Advances Mercury-Free Gold Mining with ZCCM-IH and planetGOLD MoU to Formalize Artisanal Sector

Zambia has taken a decisive step toward transforming its artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) sector following the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ZCCM Investments Holdings Plc and the planetGOLD Zambia Project on March 17, 2026.

The agreement signals a unified national commitment to promoting responsible, mercury-free gold mining while integrating artisanal miners into the formal economy.

It also reflects a broader strategy to ensure that Zambia’s mineral wealth delivers sustainable and inclusive economic benefits.

A Turning Point for Artisanal Miners

For decades, artisanal and small-scale miners in Zambia have operated largely outside the formal economy, despite supporting thousands of rural households.

Limited access to formal markets, exposure to hazardous mercury, and lack of institutional support have constrained the sector’s potential.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Chief Executive Officer of ZCCM-IH emphasized that this partnership aims to fundamentally change that narrative.

By providing a structured, transparent, and reliable gold off-take system, ZCCM-IH will serve as a bridge between artisanal miners and formal markets ensuring fair pricing, traceability, and value retention within the country.

This initiative aligns directly with the government’s gold mandate, which positions ZCCM-IH as the anchor institution responsible for:

• Formalizing artisanal and small-scale miners
• Acting as a primary buyer to curb illegal gold smuggling
• Developing strategic gold mining assets across the country

Driving Formalisation and Market Access

The Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development reaffirmed its commitment to transforming the ASGM sector into a structured and compliant industry.

Through its Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining department, the Ministry is working to establish community-driven enterprises capable of producing fully traceable gold.

Officials highlighted that the MoU represents a critical milestone in ensuring miners gain access to formal markets allowing them to receive fair value for their production while adopting safer and environmentally sustainable practices.

The Ministry also pledged continued policy support, technical guidance, and collaboration to ensure the partnership becomes a model for resilience and inclusivity in Zambia’s mining sector.

planetGOLD’s Role in Sustainable Mining

The planetGOLD Zambia Project, funded by the Global Environment Facility and implemented by the United Nations Environment Programme, is at the forefront of promoting mercury-free gold processing technologies.

Working in partnership with the Zambia Environmental Management Agency and the Artisanal Gold Council, the project has been instrumental in:

• Organizing miners into structured groups
• Establishing mercury-free processing sites
• Expanding access to finance and formal markets

Through this MoU, gold produced from these processing sites will now enter a traceable supply chain, ensuring transparency and compliance with international standards.

Environmental, Social, and Economic Impact

At its core, the partnership reflects a strong commitment to environmental stewardship and public health. Mercury, long used in artisanal gold extraction, poses severe risks to both ecosystems and mining communities.

Transitioning to mercury-free methods significantly reduces these risks while improving overall mining efficiency.

Beyond environmental benefits, the initiative is expected to:

• Improve incomes for artisanal miners
• Create sustainable livelihoods in rural communities
• Strengthen national revenue through formalized gold trade
• Enhance Zambia’s position in responsible global mineral supply chains

A Shared Vision for Zambia’s Mining Future

All stakeholders at the event emphasized that collaboration is key to addressing the complex challenges facing the ASGM sector.

The partnership between government institutions, development organizations, and industry players demonstrates a coordinated approach to sector reform.

The agreement also sends a strong message to artisanal miners across Zambia: formalization does not mean exclusion it means opportunity. With access to better markets, safer technologies, and institutional support, artisanal mining can evolve into a high-standard, economically viable sector.

The signing of the MoU between ZCCM-IH and the planetGOLD Zambia Project marks more than a policy milestone it represents a strategic shift toward a cleaner, fairer, and more inclusive gold mining industry in Zambia.

By aligning economic growth with environmental protection and social equity, Zambia is positioning its ASGM sector as a model for sustainable resource development in Africa.

The success of this initiative will ultimately depend on implementation, but the foundation has been firmly laid: a future where Zambian gold is synonymous with responsibility, traceability, and shared prosperity.