ZCCM-IH and the planetGOLD Zambia Project Sign MoU for Gold Offtake at Mercury-Free Processing Pilot Sites.

On 17 March 2026, ZCCM-Investment Holdings Plc and the planetGOLD Zambia Project signed a landmark MoU to enable gold offtake from the project’s mercury-free processing sites, a major step toward strengthening formal and traceable gold supply chains in Zambia.

The MoU establishes a structured pathway for gold produced through environmentally responsible methods to access formal markets, ensuring improved transparency, fair pricing and increased incomes for Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Miners (ASGM).
Speaking during the signing ceremony Mr. Constantino Mwembela who read the speech on behalf of Zambia Enviromental Management Agency Acting Director General, Mr. Christopher Kanema, highlighted the significance of the partnership in advancing Zambia’s environmental and international commitments.

“Today marks a significant milestone as we secure gold offtake from the project’s mercury-free processing sites. This partnership is well aligned with global responsible gold sourcing guidelines and will help ensure that ASGM operators receive the true value of their hard work,” he said.
Mr. Mwembela further noted that the initiative supports Zambia’s obligations under the Minamata Convention on Mercury, to which the country became a Party in 2016, committing to reduce and where possible eliminate mercury use in the ASGM sector.
The Chief Executive Officer of ZCCM-IH, Mr. Kakenenwa Muyangwa, emphasized the transformative nature of the collaboration, particularly in bringing artisanal miners into the formal economy.

“This partnership is about changing the narrative. We will provide a reliable, transparent, and responsible off-take for the gold produced at these mercury-free sites,” he said. 
“By ensuring a fair price and a traceable supply chain, we are giving our artisanal miners a seat at the table of the formal global economy,” he added. 
National Project Manager for the planetGOLD Zambia Project, Ms. Abigail Mwailenge, underscored the project’s continued efforts to support miners through access to finance and formal markets.
“This Memorandum of Understanding will ensure that the gold supplied from the project’s Mercury-Free Processing Sites is traceable and will help miners obtain fair value for their work,” she said.

“This milestone forms part of our continuous efforts to support the formalisation of the sector while promoting sustainable livelihoods for mining communities,” she added. 
Mr. Jacob Kafwanka representing the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development reaffirmed the Ministries commitment to the formalisation agenda, noting that the agreement represents a practical step towards building a more organised and sustainable ASGM sector.

“This milestone ensures that miners have access to formal gold markets that will enable them to get real value for their products and run safe, environmentally friendly operations,” Mr. Kafwanka stated. 
The signing of this MoU represents a major step forward in advancing responsible gold production in Zambia, while ensuring that artisanal miners benefit from safer practices, improved market access and sustainable economic opportunities.