Mercury-Free Processing Systems Training Promotes Responsible Mining Practices in Mpika District, Muchinga Province.

Mercury dependency in Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) remains a major challenge in the sector and poses environmental and public health risks. Continued reliance on mercury not only threatens the health of miners and surrounding communities but also limits opportunities to participate in formal trade that meets international market standards aligned with responsible gold sourcing guidelines.

To support the transition towards responsible mining practices, the planetGOLD Zambia Project conducted a Mercury-Free Processing Systems (MFPS) training at Kanyelele Mining Site in Mpika District, Muchinga Province, on 24th June 2026. The training equipped miners with practical knowledge of responsible and safer gold processing methods while strengthening their understanding of the gold mining value chain, from exploration, mining and processing to marketing and trade.
Project Metallurgist, Mr. Chikatala Munsanje, demonstrated different gold recovery methods including gravity concentration, Leaching, and flotation. He clarified the Projects’ focus on promoting gravity concentration (i.e., centrifugal devices, shaking tables, and sluices), explaining how this method provides a safer, more efficient and practical alternative to mercury use for Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Miners. The session reinforced the Project’s commitment to reducing, or where feasible, eliminating the use of mercury in ASGM while promoting environmentally responsible mining practices that improve both safety and productivity.

Complementing the technical training, Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development representative, Mr. Ignatius Chipela, reminded miners of the importance of operating within approved licence boundaries, maintaining valid licences and keeping accurate records. He noted that responsible mining requires not only safer technologies but also compliance with regulatory requirements that support ongoing formalisation efforts.
By combining practical demonstrations with regulatory guidance, the training strengthened miners’ capacity to adopt safer processing methods while reinforcing the link between environmental protection, responsible production and sustainable livelihoods.

As preparations for the Mercury-Free Processing System Pilot Site in Mpika District continue, the Project will build on these engagements through practical demonstrations, technical support and continued collaboration with mining cooperatives to support the adoption of mercury-free technologies across ASGM sites.