The planetGOLD Zambia Project Showcases Responsible Mining Innovations at the 2025 Zambia Mining and Investment Insaka

From 6–10 October 2025, the planetGOLD Zambia Project participated in the
Zambia Mining and Investment Insaka (ZAMII), held at Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka. The event brought together leaders and stakeholders from across the mining sector to discuss opportunities and innovations shaping the future of mining in Zambia and the wider African region.
 

Throughout the week, the planetGOLD Zambia team engaged booth visitors and stakeholders, sharing insights from field activities and ongoing efforts to promote mercury-free gold processing technologies in the artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) sector.
 

Ms. Abigail Mwailenge, National Project Manager for planetGOLD Zambia,
contributed to a panel discussion under the theme “Unlocking and Mainstreaming Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) in Africa’s Mineral Wealth.” She emphasized that implementing Mercury-Free Processing Systems (MFPS) requires a deep understanding of local geological conditions to ensure technologies are practical and easily adopted by miners.

“ASM is a culture,” Ms. Mwailenge noted. “Interventions should enhance what
already works, not disrupt it.”

Mr. Musanje Chikatala, the Project Metallurgist, showcased how mercury-free
systems can significantly improve gold recovery rates in ASGM operations,
highlighting their technical and environmental benefits. 

Mr. Nkumbu Chilele, Data Analyst for the project, shared insights from the project’s contextual study, which examines the dynamics of ASGM communities and informs the design of tailored interventions.

A key highlight of the exhibition came on 9 October 2025, when President
Hakainde Hichilema visited the planetGOLD Zambia booth during the official
opening ceremony of ZAMII. The Project Team, led by Ms. Mwailenge, had the
honour of presenting the project’s objectives and achievements to the President.

During the engagement, Ms. Mwailenge outlined the project’s impact goal to reduce and, where feasible, eliminate 1.16 metric tonnes of mercury from ASGM activities in Zambia. 

In response, His Excellency underscored the importance of completely phasing out mercury use in the sector, affirming the government’s commitment to safer and more responsible mining practices.

The planetGOLD Zambia Project continues to use such platforms to foster dialogue, promote mercury-free technologies, and advance responsible mining practices across the country.