The planetGOLD Zambia Project Participates in CAMINEX 2025 to Advance Responsible ASGM Practices

From May 27–29, 2025, the planetGOLD Zambia project participated in the CAMINEX Mining and Agriculture Exhibition in Kitwe, Copperbelt Province. The event provided a platform for the project team to engage with key stakeholders from the mining sector, gathering valuable insights into the policy and legal challenges facing the Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) sector. These discussions are informing the project’s ongoing efforts to support the development of a comprehensive legal and policy framework for ASGM in Zambia.

Stakeholders at the exhibition expressed concerns over the lack of dedicated policies and laws to protect and support artisanal and small-scale gold miners. They emphasized that miners often operate in informal settings, which not only hinders responsible mining practices but also undermines the financial security and well-being of the miners.

As part of its exhibition, the planetGOLD Zambia team showcased a Mercury-Free Processing System (MFPS), a safer and more efficient alternative to traditional mercury-based gold extraction methods. The technology aims to improve gold recovery rates while eliminating environmental and health risks associated with mercury use.

The project’s exhibition stand attracted a wide range of visitors, including artisanal miners, private sector stakeholders, and policymakers. Notable visitors included Honourable Paul Kabuswe, Minister of Mines and Minerals Development, and representatives from Mukuba Pension House, all of whom expressed interest in supporting initiatives that promote safer, more responsible practices in the ASGM sector.