Familiarisation Visit to Kabombo ASGM Site by NASGM Technical Committee and NAC

The planetGOLD Zambia Project National Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (NASGM) Technical Committee and National Advisory Committee (NAC) undertook a familiarisation mission to the Kabombo ASGM site in Rufunsa District, Lusaka, Zambia on 18 September. The visit brought together representatives from key government ministries, civil society and development partners to gain a deeper understanding of conditions within artisanal mining sites.

The NASGM Committee plays a key role in reviewing and advising on improvements to Zambia’s policy, legal and institutional framework for Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining, ensuring reforms are practical, inclusive, and aligned with national priorities and international standards, while the NAC provides expert advisory support to strengthen project implementation and promote effective, community-focused outcomes.

Addressing the delegation and media, Rufunsa District Commissioner Mr. Richard Mabena reiterated government’s commitment to formalising the ASGM sector in the district and ensuring miners operate within a regulated and supportive environment. He encouraged continued engagement between policymakers and miners to promote transparency, accountability, and safer mining practices.

Committee Chair Mr. Brighton Kateka from the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development affirmed the Ministry’s readiness to work closely with district structures and stakeholders to advance formalisation and improve sector governance.

The planetGOLD Zambia’s National Project Manager highlighted the importance of such engagements in strengthening understanding of the project’s implementation context. Rufunsa is among the districts benefiting from the project’s support to over 11,000 miners across the country.