ZCCM-IH and Zambia Govt Advance Plans for Gold Trading Centres to Formalise Artisanal Mining
Zambia Moves to Formalise Gold Sector as ZCCM-IH Plans Trading Centres for Small-Scale Miners
ZCCM Investments Holdings (ZCCM-IH) is working with the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Development on plans to establish gold trading centres in areas where artisanal and small-scale gold mining activities are being formalised.
ZCCM-IH Board Chairperson Phesto Musonda said the initiative is part of the company’s commitment to supporting the growth of Zambia’s gold and manganese sectors while ensuring that mineral resources contribute more effectively to national economic development.
The proposed gold trading centres will provide regulated markets where small-scale miners can sell their gold through official channels, improving transparency, reducing illegal mineral trading, and ensuring greater value retention within Zambia.
Mr Musonda said the Ministry of Mines has made significant progress in formalising the artisanal mining sector through training programmes and the issuance of mining licences to between 700 and 1,000 cooperatives across the country.
The formalisation programme has been rolled out in areas such as Mufumbwe, where authorities are supporting local miners with licensing, training, and improved mining practices to promote safer and more responsible operations.
The establishment of gold trading centres is expected to strengthen the integration of small-scale miners into the formal economy by providing access to reliable markets, improving government oversight, and creating a more structured gold supply chain.
ZCCM-IH has identified the formalisation of Zambia’s gold sector as a key priority, particularly as the country seeks to diversify its mining industry beyond copper.
Developing gold production and improving participation of local miners are seen as important steps toward increasing mineral revenues and supporting economic growth.
The initiative also aligns with government efforts to promote responsible artisanal and small-scale mining by improving safety standards, reducing informal trading, and ensuring communities benefit more from Zambia’s mineral resources.
As Zambia continues to expand its critical minerals sector, the creation of gold trading centres could play an important role in transforming small-scale mining into a more organised and productive contributor to the national economy.
