Engaging the Next Generation: planetGOLD Zambia Inspires CBU Students on Sustainable ASGM

On 20th March, the planetGOLD Zambia Project held a public lecture on Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) in Zambia at the Copperbelt University (CBU), Kitwe bringing together students, lecturers and key stakeholders to explore opportunities and challenges within the sector.
The lecture provided a dynamic platform for knowledge sharing, with a strong focus on responsible mining practices, youth participation and sector formalisation.
In his opening remarks, Acting Dean of the School of Mines and Mineral Sciences, Dr. Levi Mutambo, expressed appreciation for initiatives such as the planetGOLD Zambia Project, noting their alignment with the school’s vision. 

“Projects like planetGOLD are critical in creating informed and educated individuals while promoting practical solutions in sustainable mining for a sustainable future,” he said.
Delivering an overview of the project, National Project Manager Ms. Abigail Mwailenge introduced the initiative and highlighted the significance of ASGM both locally and globally. She underscored the sector’s inclusivity, particularly for young people. 

“ASGM is an equal opportunity sector, young people and students have a role to play in shaping its future,” she emphasized.
Ms. Mwailenge further outlined the project’s four key thematic areas, advancing formalisation, increasing access to finance and markets, promoting mercury-free technologies and strengthening communication and knowledge sharing. 
She also revealed that the project has partnered with various stakeholders, most recently ZCCM-IH, to create is a pathways for responsible gold trade. 
Providing further insight, Mr. Kennedy Kaela from ZCCM-IH elaborated on the mandate and jurisdiction of ZCCM-IH within the ASGM space, particularly in supporting structured and transparent gold trading systems.

Academic perspectives were also shared during the lecture, with Dr. Precious Chisala delivering a session on ASGM, while Dr. Tina Chanda encouraged students to actively engage in sustainable development initiatives. 

“Students must take advantage of platforms like planetGOLD. These are opportunities that can shape your careers and contribute to national development,” she said.
Adding a practical outlook, Mr. Mark Likando, an artisanal miner highlighted the broader economic opportunities created by the sector. 

“ASGM has opened up livelihoods beyond mining, from transport to supply chains. Formalisation has also enabled miners to access services and markets that were previously out of reach,” he noted.
The President of the Copperbelt University Students Union (COBUSU) Mr. Given Chipewo also delivered remarks, raising pertinent questions on how students can actively participate in ASGM across the project’s thematic areas, signalling strong youth interest in the sector.

The public lecture underscored the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration and reaffirmed the planetGOLD Zambia Project’s commitment to promoting sustainable, inclusive and environmentally responsible gold mining in Zambia.