The planetGOLD Zambia Project Showcases ASGM Research and Revolving Fund Onboarding Checklist at ZAMII 2026

From 19 to 23 October 2026, the planetGOLD Zambia Project showcased research findings and financing opportunities for Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) operators at the 2026 Zambia Mining and Investment Insaka (ZAMII), held in Lusaka.
Held under the theme “Transforming Africa’s Mining Landscape: Regional Value Chains, Shared Prosperity & Empowering Communities,” the event provided a platform for the project to engage government representatives, mining sector stakeholders and potential partners on initiatives aimed at promoting formalisation, improving access to finance and formal gold markets, and encouraging the uptake of mercury-free processing technologies.

Throughout the five-day exhibition, the project showcased findings from its ASGM Contextual Study and presented its Revolving Fund Onboarding Checklist. These materials provided visitors with insights into the operating environment of the ASGM sector and outlined the requirements for eligible miners seeking to access financing through the project’s revolving fund.
The project’s exhibition stand attracted several notable visitors, including Mr. Jito Kayumba, Special Assistant and Advisor to the President on Finance and Investment; Mr Kakenenwa Muyangwa, Chief Executive Officer of ZCCM-IH; His Worship Simon Chitambala Mwewa, Mayor of Lusaka; and Ms. Misozi Ngulube, Director General of the Water Resources Management Authority (WARMA), alongside other mining sector stakeholders.

Engagements at the stand focused on the challenges facing ASGM operators, particularly the need to formalise mining operations, improve access to appropriate financing, strengthen connections to formal gold markets and promote responsible mining practices that reduce mercury use.
A key feature of the project’s participation was the presentation of its US$300,000 ASGM Revolving Fund, which is designed to improve access to finance for eligible Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Miners. The accompanying onboarding checklist outlined the documentation and operational requirements that prospective beneficiaries must meet to be considered for financing.

The exhibition also created an opportunity for discussions with mining equipment suppliers on potential collaborations to improve miners’ access to appropriate equipment through financing arrangements linked to the revolving fund mechanism. 
On the final day of the exhibition, the project recorded an ASGM-focused podcast as part of its communication and knowledge-sharing efforts. The recording provided an additional platform to discuss issues affecting the sector, including access to finance, the equipment needs of miners and the importance of transitioning to responsible, mercury-free gold processing.

The project’s participation at ZAMII 2026 underscored the importance of collaboration among government institutions, financial service providers, equipment suppliers and other sector stakeholders in addressing the challenges faced by Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Miners.