The planetGOLD Zambia Showcases Contextual Study on Zambia’s ASGM sector and Mercury-Free Processing Systems at the 2026 Zambia Agricultural and Commercial Show.

The planetGOLD Zambia Project concluded a successful five-day exhibition at the 2026 Zambia Agricultural and Commercial Show in Lusaka Province, held from 29th July to 3rd August under the theme “Fostering Trade and Investment.” The project used the platform to showcase research insights, Mercury-Free Processing Systems (MFPS), and ongoing efforts to transform Zambia’s Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) sector into a more formal and responsible sector.

The project’s stand attracted showgoers, exhibitors, stakeholders and members of the media who engaged with the project on the opportunities and challenges within ASGM and the importance of responsible mining practices.
The exhibition came shortly after the launch of the Contextual Study on the Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining Sector in Zambia, which provides insights into the characteristics, productivity, challenges and opportunities across six ASGM sites.
Speaking during a media interview at the exhibition, planetGOLD Zambia National Project Manager Ms. Abigail Mwailenge said the study was deliberately showcased because of its relevance to the theme of trade and investment.

“If Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Miners are to access trade and investment from different stakeholders, those stakeholders need insights into the productivity of the sector and how much gold is being produced,” said Ms. Mwailenge.
She noted that the study highlights significant differences in productivity across mining sites and among individual miners, providing information that can help guide interventions and investment in the sector.
The project also demonstrated different ore types found across ASGM sites, highlighting the importance of understanding ore characteristics to improve gold recovery and productivity.

“If miners can understand the ore characteristics between reef gold and alluvial gold, they can know how to extract gold profitably and be able to gain a living from the gold that they are producing,” she explained.
Beyond miners, the study provides valuable information for financial institutions, government agencies, development partners and other stakeholders to design interventions that respond to the realities of different mining communities.
The exhibition also featured the Quick Environmental Guide for Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining in Zambia, developed in collaboration with the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA). The guide provides practical information to help miners understand environmental compliance requirements as they work towards formalising their operations and accessing investment.

The planetGOLD Zambia Project Communications Officer Mr. Jefferson Kapasa said the project’s work is centred on reducing, and where feasible eliminating, mercury use in ASGM through four thematic areas: formalisation, access to finance and formal markets, uptake of mercury-free technologies, and communication and knowledge sharing.
He explained that formalisation includes supporting miners to obtain Artisanal Mining Rights, land rights, social security, tax compliance and the social consent required to operate legally and responsibly, while working with relevant government institutions, including the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development.
The project is also developing an ASM revolving fund mechanism, aligned with government funding guidelines, to improve access to finance for the ASGM sector.

On mercury-free technologies, Mr. Kapasa highlighted the introduction of Mercury-Free Processing Systems (MFPS), with pilot processing facilities being established in Chisamba District, Central Province and Mpika District, Muchinga Province to demonstrate safer and more environmentally responsible gold processing methods.

The exhibition show highlighted the growing recognition of ASGM not only as a livelihood activity, but also as an important part of Zambia’s economic, trade and investment landscape.