Media Tour Sheds Light on Artisanal Gold Mining Activities in Mpika District, Muchinga Province, Zambia.

From 2–3 June 2025, the planetGOLD Zambia project hosted a Media Tour to the Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) site in the Kanyelele area of Mpika District. The tour aimed to provide media professionals with firsthand insights into the ASGM sector—highlighting key challenges, efforts toward formalization, environmental impacts, and the sector’s broader socio-economic potential.
The media delegation comprised representatives from seven prominent Zambian media houses:
1. Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC)
2. Diamond TV Zambia
3. Daily Mail Newspaper
4. Hot FM
5. Prime TV
6. Phoenix FM
7. Kalemba
The tour began on 2 June with a courtesy call on Mpika District Commissioner
Mr. David Siame. In his remarks, Mr. Siame commended the planetGOLD Zambia project for its continued efforts to support and formalize artisanal miners in the district. He encouraged the media to report not only on the challenges facing the ASGM sector but also on the innovative solutions being implemented to address them.
The delegation then proceeded to Chief Chikwanda’s Palace, where the traditional leader addressed the media on the dangers of mercury use in mining. He emphasized the environmental and health risks associated with mercury and called for greater awareness among miners about safer, mercury-free alternatives.
On 3 June, the delegation visited Kanyelele, an area known for its high level of
artisanal mining activity. Journalists had the opportunity to interact with local
authorities and miners, who shared the realities on the ground, including the
continued use of mercury in gold processing. Discussions centered on the urgent need for alternative technologies and increased education to promote safer and more responsible mining practices.

The media tour served as an important platform to foster informed reporting on the ASGM sector and strengthen public understanding of the challenges and opportunities within it. Through continued collaboration with stakeholders, the planetGOLD Zambia project remains committed to advancing responsible and mercury-free gold mining practices in Zambia.