Rufunsa District Leaders Call for Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining Formalisation and Improved Access to Finance

On 24 October 2026, the planetGOLD Zambia Project joined district leaders, traditional authorities and other stakeholders in commemorating Zambia’s 62nd Independence Anniversary at Rufunsa Combined School in Rufunsa District, Lusaka Province. The commemoration provided a platform for calls to formalise Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM), improve miners’ access to finance and promote responsible mining as a contribution to local and national economic development.
Held under the theme “Zambia @62: Our Journey, Our Growth, Our Future,” the event began with a march from Rufunsa Market to Rufunsa Combined School. It brought together government representatives, traditional leaders, local authorities and other stakeholders to reflect on Zambia’s development journey and the role of local communities in shaping the country’s future.
A key highlight was the address by Chief Bunda-Bunda, who emphasised the economic potential of Rufunsa’s gold mining sector and called for mining activities to be formalised to increase their contribution to the local and national economies.

“Formalising mining so that we can produce that gold which will help this economy here in Rufunsa as well as the national economy. That is how we are going to grow Zambia, that is the future,” Chief Bunda-Bunda said.
The traditional leader’s call for formalisation aligned with the planetGOLD Zambia Project’s efforts to support ASGM operators to formalise their activities, access finance and formal gold markets, and adopt mercury-free processing technologies.
Dr. Peter Kakonde, a member of the District Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining Technical (DASGM) Committee, highlighted the importance of improving miners’ access to financing and preparing them to meet the requirements for responsible mining operations. He outlined the project’s US$300,000 revolving fund, which is designed to provide financing opportunities for eligible ASGM operators.
“The fund is intended to help eligible miners access money to invest in their mining activities. This could include improving equipment, increasing production and adopting mercury-free gold processing methods,” Dr. Kakonde said.

He encouraged miners to begin preparing their documentation ahead of the official application process. Key requirements include business registration, a valid Zambia Revenue Authority tax clearance certificate, proof of ore from a licensed mining area, evidence of mercury-free processing, production records covering at least three consecutive months and an active ZANACO Bank account. Applicants must also meet the requirements of the participating financial institution, including acceptable collateral and monitoring arrangements.

Dr. Kakonde further emphasised that the fund is intended to support miners who are committed to responsible operations, compliance with applicable requirements and accountability in the use of financing. He encouraged miners to embrace mercury-free technologies to protect their health, the environment and community livelihoods.
The commemoration reinforced the importance of collaboration between traditional leaders, local authorities, government institutions and development partners in promoting formalisation. It also provided an opportunity to raise awareness of the financing opportunities available to eligible ASGM operators and the steps they can take towards formalising their mining activities.