Zambia to Establish New Gold Marketing Centres to Formalise Mineral Trade and Boost Transparency
Government to Build New Gold Marketing Centres Across Zambia by 2026 to Curb Illegal Mining and Improve Revenue Collection
The Government has announced plans to establish new gold marketing centres across the country by the end of 2026 as part of efforts to formalise the mining sector and enhance transparency in mineral trading.
Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development Permanent Secretary, Hapenga Kabeta, said the initiative will create structured, regulated platforms where artisanal and small-scale miners can sell gold through official and accountable channels.
Dr Kabeta stated that the designated districts for the new centres include Lusangazi, Chisamba, Mpika, and an additional facility in Mumbwa.
This will bring the total number of gold marketing centres in Mumbwa to two.
He explained that these locations were selected due to their high levels of gold mining activity and ongoing challenges related to illegal mining and unregulated gold buyers.
“The objective is to curb illegal trading, improve price determination, and ensure that the country fully benefits from its mineral resources,” he said.
Dr Kabeta further noted that the initiative builds on the near completion of the Mumbwa Gold Marketing Centre, which is currently between 98 and 99 percent complete.
Once operational, the centres are expected to bring together key institutions, including the Zambia Revenue Authority, Zambia Gold Company, and the Bank of Zambia, alongside licensed aggregators, to support transparent and well-regulated gold trading.
He added that the facilities will help miners access fair and competitive prices while enabling the Government to more effectively monitor gold production and strengthen tax collection.
Dr Kabeta emphasised that the programme is part of a broader long-term strategy to formalise the mining value chain and support artisanal and small-scale miners through training in safe, legal, and efficient mining practices.
