Jefferson Kapasa

Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) contributes significantly to livelihoods in Mpika and Shiwagandu Districts, but the sector continues to face challenges that extend beyond individual mining sites. Environmental degradation, weak regulatory compliance and absence of a coordination mechanism among stakeholders often undermine responsible mining and sustainable community development. These issues require collective action rather than isolated interventions.

As demand for responsibly sourced gold grows globally, Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Miners (ASGM) are increasingly expected to demonstrate that their gold is traceable and mined responsibly in accordance with recognised international standards such as the OECD guide lines.

On 30 June 2026, The planetGOLD Zambia Project convened its Second Quarter National Advisory Committee (NAC) Review Meeting, bringing together key stakeholders to review implementation progress, assess resolutions from the previous quarter and provide strategic direction for activities supporting the formalisation of Zambia's Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) sector.

The planetGOLD Zambia Project has reached a major milestone towards establishing centralized Mercury-free Processing Systems (MFPS) pilot sites (Chisamba and Mpika) for Zambia's Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) sector following a technical visit to Appropriate Processing Technologies (APT) in South Africa to assess the equipment.

On 28th July 2026, the planetGOLD Zambia Project launched its Contextual Study Report on Zambia's Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) Sector, presenting comprehensive findings from research conducted across six ASGM sites in Mpika, Mumbwa, Chisamba, Vubwi, Lusanganzi and Rufunsa. The sites were selected to capture the diverse operational realities and community dynamics that characterise the country's ASGM sector.

On 20th May 2026, the planetGOLD Zambia Project conducted Mercury-Free Processing Systems (MFPS) and CRAFT Code training in Chisamba District aimed at promoting responsible gold mining practices, environmental protection and safer mineral processing methods in the Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) sector.

On 19th May 2026, the planetGOLD Zambia Project conducted a financial literacy training in Chisamba District aimed at equipping Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Miners (ASGM) with practical financial literacy and investment skills to support sustainable mining.

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.

On 1st May 2026, the planetGOLD Zambia Project joined the people of Rufunsa District in commemorating Labour Day, reaffirming its commitment to promoting decent work, safer mining practices and sustainable livelihoods among Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Miners.

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.