The planetGOLD Zambia Project Partners with Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development on ASGM Assessment in Lusangazi District, Eastern Province.

On 7th August 2026, the planetGOLD Zambia Project participated in a Government-led assessment mission to Lusangazi District in Eastern Province aimed at evaluating the area's gold mining potential while ensuring that environmental protection and responsible mining remain central to any future mining decisions.

The assessment, led by the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development Permanent Secretary, Dr. Hapenga Kabeta, sought to establish the potential of gold mining in the area and assess environmental considerations, including the status of wildlife in locations where mining activities have reportedly taken place within a Game Management Area or National Park.
"We are here to establish the extent of the gold resource and assess whether mining can be undertaken responsibly while safeguarding our environment and biodiversity. The findings from this assessment will guide Government's decisions and any future interventions in the area." Dr. Kabeta said.

During the mission, planetGOLD Zambia National Project Manager, Ms. Abigail Mwailenge, introduced the project and highlighted its mandate to support the formalisation of the Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) sector while promoting mercury-free mining practices. 
She explained that the project's Contextual Study identified Lusangazi District as one of the areas with the highest levels of mercury use, where miners use an average of 2.76 grams of mercury for every gram of gold produced.
"This assessment is important because it allows us to understand the entire Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining value chain in Lusangazi. Our research showed that mercury use in the district remains significantly high. By understanding the opportunities and challenges on the ground, we can design targeted interventions that help miners transition to mercury-free technologies, improve productivity, access formal markets and strengthen sustainable livelihoods." Ms. Mwailenge said.

The mission forms part of Government's commitment to promoting responsible mineral development through evidence-based decision-making. Findings from the assessment will guide future policy considerations on whether mining can be undertaken in a manner that balances economic opportunities with environmental protection.
The delegation paid a courtesy call on Eastern Province Permanent Secretary Mr. Paul Benjamin Thole, where discussions underscored the importance of coordinated, well-regulated mining activities and broad stakeholder engagement before any decisions are made.

"Mining must be properly coordinated and regulated to ensure that while communities benefit from mineral resources, critical infrastructure, public safety and the environment are protected." Mr. Thole. 
The delegation also paid a courtesy call on the Lusangazi District Commissioner, who was represented by District Administrative Officer Mr. Codringtone Sakala. 
Mr. Sakala commended the planetGOLD Zambia Project for its continued awareness and outreach activities in the district, noting that they are already producing positive results.
"We have seen encouraging progress from the awareness programmes being implemented by the planetGOLD Zambia Project. "Many young miners are no longer relying on mercury as much as before, and this demonstrates that education and community engagement are making a real difference." Mr. Sakala said.

During a courtesy call on His Royal Highness (HRH) Chief Sandwe, Dr. Kabeta reaffirmed Government's commitment to strengthening the Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining sector through formalisation and improved market access.
"We are working towards establishing gold market centres where miners will be able to sell their gold through formal and transparent channels. This will help miners receive fair value for their gold while strengthening accountability and traceability within the sector." Dr. Kabeta said.
HRH Chief Sandwe welcomed the delegation and urged Government to continue supporting mining communities.
"I appreciate the work that the planetGOLD Zambia Project is doing in our chiefdom. The awareness programmes have helped our people understand the dangers of mercury and the importance of responsible mining. We encourage Government and its partners to continue supporting our miners through practical interventions that improve their livelihoods." Chief Sandwe said.

The Government delegation comprised representatives from the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development, the planetGOLD Zambia Project, the Zambia Environmental Management Agency, the Minerals Regulation Commission and Zambia Gold Company, demonstrating a multistakeholder approach to promoting responsible mineral resource governance in Zambia.
The planetGOLD Zambia Project's participation reflects its continued commitment to supporting Government efforts to advance responsible, mercury-free Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining through formalisation, improved access to finance and formal markets, uptake of mercury free technologies and and communication and knowledge sharing.