Zambia has taken a major step toward transforming its gold sector through a strategic agreement between ZCCM Investments Holdings Plc and the PlanetGOLD Zambia Project. The signing of a memorandum of understanding in Lusaka signals a shift toward a more structured, transparent, and inclusive gold trading system. This partnership focuses on supporting artisanal and small-scale miners, a group that has long operated outside formal economic systems. By creating a reliable and fair trading framework, Zambia aims to unlock the full value of its gold resources while improving livelihoods. The initiative reflects a broader national effort to align mineral development with sustainability, accountability, and economic growth.
Under the agreement, ZCCM-IH will act as a key off-taker of gold produced from mercury-free processing sites. This role ensures that miners have access to a dependable market where they can sell their gold at fair and competitive prices. The emphasis on traceability will help track gold from production to sale, reducing illegal trade and strengthening confidence in Zambia’s gold supply chain. By supporting mercury-free methods, the partnership also addresses serious environmental and health risks that have affected mining communities for years. This approach positions Zambia as a country that values both economic returns and responsible resource management.
ZCCM-IH chief executive officer Kakenenwa Muyangwa described the partnership as a turning point for the country’s gold sector. He highlighted that artisanal and small-scale miners have historically been excluded from formal economic benefits despite their significant contribution to gold production. Through this collaboration, miners will be integrated into a transparent system that recognizes their work and ensures they receive fair value. The agreement also supports government objectives to curb gold smuggling by providing a structured and legal market. This creates a stronger link between mining activities and national revenue generation, which can support broader development goals.
The partnership also aligns with Zambia’s gold mandate assigned to ZCCM-IH, which includes formalizing artisanal mining and developing mineral assets for national wealth creation. By bringing miners into the formal economy, the country can improve regulation, increase tax compliance, and enhance overall sector governance. This structured approach allows for better monitoring of production levels and ensures that mining activities contribute directly to economic stability. It also opens opportunities for miners to access financial services, training, and improved technologies. These changes are essential for building a mining sector that is both productive and sustainable over the long term.
PlanetGOLD Zambia National Project Manager Abigail Mwailenge emphasized that the agreement represents a milestone in strengthening the artisanal and small-scale gold mining sector. The project has been actively working to organize miners into structured groups, making it easier for them to access formal markets and adopt safer mining practices. Funded by the Global Environment Facility and implemented by the United Nations Environment Programme, PlanetGOLD Zambia focuses on reducing mercury use while improving economic outcomes for mining communities. The collaboration with ZCCM-IH enhances these efforts by ensuring that miners not only produce responsibly but also benefit financially from their work. This integrated approach addresses both environmental concerns and economic inclusion in a practical way.
Zambia’s move to formalize and modernize its gold sector shows a clear commitment to sustainable development and inclusive growth. By combining government policy, private sector involvement, and international support, the country is building a system that benefits miners, protects the environment, and strengthens the economy. The partnership between ZCCM-IH and PlanetGOLD Zambia sets a strong foundation for a transparent and efficient gold market. It also demonstrates how targeted interventions can transform informal sectors into drivers of national development. As these efforts continue, Zambia is positioning itself as a leader in responsible gold production and trade in the region.