Community Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (CASGM) Committee Established in Chisamba District

On 18th May 2026, the planetGOLD Zambia Project established the Community Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (CASGM) Committee in Chisamba District as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen formalisation, grassroots governance and sector coordination within the Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) sector.

Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development representative Ms. Rosemary Phiri said the establishment of the CASGM structure reflects Government’s commitment to promoting transparency, participation and formalisation in the ASGM sector.
She noted that artisanal and small-scale miners play a vital role in supporting livelihoods, local economies and national development, adding that the newly formed committee will provide miners with a unified voice and a coordinated platform for engagement with district and national governance systems.

Ms. Phiri further highlighted that the initiative will contribute to improved governance, inclusivity and sustainability in the mining sector while encouraging responsible mining practices within local communities.
Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) representative Ms. Nanyinze Nakaundi encouraged miners to adopt mercury-free gold recovery technologies, stressing that mercury use continues to pose significant environmental and public health risks.

The planetGOLD Zambia Project Communications Officer, Mr. Jefferson Kapasa, presented the CASGM model and explained its functions and linkages with district and national committee structures.

The newly formed CASGM Committee comprises a Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Secretary, Committee Members and Trustees, and is expected to strengthen grassroot coordination and champion local formalisation efforts in the ASGM sector.