Jefferson Kapasa

On 17th February, the planetGOLD Zambia Project held a Landscape Consultation Meeting in Mpika District, Muchinga Province. The meeting focused on the landscape approach, a holistic framework for managing land, resources, and mining activities in the Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) sector in Mpika District. This approach seeks to balance economic, social, and environmental objectives across a region, ensuring that mining contributes to sustainable development, protects ecosystems, and empowers local communities, rather than addressing challenges in isolation.

On 16th February, the planetGOLD Zambia Project conducted a Gender Mapping and Mainstreaming engagement at Mutamba Catholic Church in Mpika District, Muchinga Province bringing together Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Miners, District Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining Technical Committee (DASGM), to strengthen gender inclusion with a focus on integration of women in active participation in mining.

On 19th February, the planetGOLD Zambia Project established the grassroot Community Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining Committee (CASGM) in Shiwang’andu District aimed at strengthening formalisation and sector coordination.

On 12th February, the planetGOLD Zambia Project conducted a Gender Mapping and Mainstreaming engagement in Matipa Area of Chisamba District, Central Province in collaboration with the District Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining Technical Committee (DASGM).

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.

On 21–22 August, the planetGOLD Zambia Project successfully hosted the District Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (DASGM) Committees Orientation and Formation in Eastern Province, Chipata. The meeting brought together representatives from government ministries and departments across Nyimba, Lusangazi, and Vubwi districts.

On 14–15 August, the planetGOLD Zambia Project hosted a Chiefdom Orientation in Lusaka under the theme “Harnessing Traditional Leadership to Unlock Zambia’s Full Potential for Formalisation.”

From June 29th to July 5th, 2025, the planetGOLD Zambia Project participated in the 59th Zambia International Trade Fair (ZITF), held in Ndola under the theme “Enhancing Business Resilience through Innovation and Trade.” The project utilised this national platform to engage stakeholders and the public on responsible gold mining practices and innovative, mercury-free technologies in the Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) sector.

On Friday, 8th August 2025, the planetGOLD Zambia Project hosted the University of Zambia Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) Awareness event at the University of Zambia (UNZA). The gathering attracted students from multiple faculties eager to learn more about the ASGM sector’s challenges, opportunities, and responsible practices.

In the second quarter, March to June 2025, the planetGOLD Zambia project engaged a team of researchers to support a nationwide update of baseline data on, mercury use, environmental impacts, and the current state of Zambia’s artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) sector. This initiative aimed to inform project interventions and promote responsible mining practices.