The planetGOLD Zambia Project Showcased Mercury-Free Gold Mining Solutions at the 2025 Zambia International Trade Fair

From June 29th to July 5th, 2025, the planetGOLD Zambia Project participated in the 59th Zambia International Trade Fair (ZITF), held in Ndola under the theme “Enhancing Business Resilience through Innovation and Trade.” The project utilised this national platform to engage stakeholders and the public on responsible gold mining practices and innovative, mercury-free technologies in the Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) sector.

Located at Rex Fertig Hall, the planetGOLD Zambia exhibition offered firsthand insight into Mercury-Free Processing Systems (MFPS)—technologies designed to improve gold recovery ultimately eliminating the use of harmful mercury in gold extraction. These innovations promote safer working conditions, environmental stewardship, and higher gold recovery rates.

Day 2: Media Engagement with Diamond TV Zambia
On July 3rd (Day 2) of the Trade Fair, the planetGOLD Zambia team participated in a media interview with Diamond TV Zambia. The delegation—comprising the project’s Metallurgist, Community Relations Officer, and Communications Officer—used the opportunity to highlight key aspects of the initiative.

They spoke on:
•    Promoting mercury-free gold processing technologies
•    Advancing formalisation in the ASGM sector
•    Expanding access to finance and markets
•    Deepening community engagement across mining regions

The interviews served as a powerful tool for raising awareness about on safer and more responsible small-scale gold mining in Zambia.
The interviews served as a powerful tool for raising awareness about on safer and more responsible small-scale gold mining in Zambia.

Day 5: Honourable Minister of Finance Visits the Exhibition
On July 5th (Day 5), the project had the honor of hosting the Honourable Minister of Finance and National Planning, Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane, at the exhibition booth during the official opening of the Trade Fair.
 

The hosting team was led by Project Manager Ms. Abigail Mwailenge, who presented the project’s core areas of impact:
1.    Advancing Formalisation
2.    Improving Access to Finance and Markets
3.    Introducing Mercury-Free Technologies
4.    Promoting Knowledge Sharing
The engagement reinforced the project’s alignment with Zambia’s development goals and the Trade Fair’s innovation-driven theme.

Sharing Field Insights and Building Awareness
Throughout the exhibition, the planetGOLD Zambia team engaged visitors with stories and data from the field:
•    Nkumbu Chilele, Data Analyst, shared findings from mining sites, highlighting trends and challenges in the ASGM sector.
•    Gift Mubanga, Community Relations Officer, emphasized the growing demand among mining communities for safer, mercury-free gold processing.
•    Chikatala Musanje, Metallurgist, provided technical briefings on how the MFPS function and their advantages.
•    Jefferson Kapasa, Communications Officer, shared insights on media outreach and awareness-raising on the project’s support for formalisation, financing, clean technology, and knowledge exchange.

The planetGOLD Zambia Project’s participation at the 2025 Zambia International Trade Fair (June 29th – July 5th) successfully spotlighted the importance of responsible mining. Through direct engagement, technical demonstrations, and strategic media coverage, the project helped amplify the national conversation around responsible practices in the ASGM sector.