Zambia is accelerating the formalisation of its artisanal and small‑scale gold mining sector. The government and state‑backed ZCCM Investments Holdings plan to establish gold trading centres in key mining areas to create official markets where miners can sell gold, improving transparency, traceability and reducing illicit trade. The centres aim to offer fair pricing, boost government oversight, increase gold reserves and generate additional revenue while supporting the country’s broader strategy to diversify beyond copper.
ZCCM‑IH is also expanding its role in the gold industry through exploration projects, processing facilities and training programmes that promote responsible mining practices. In parallel, a satellite‑based gold anomaly detection study in Zambia identified ten high‑potential drill targets within a 283‑hectare licence block, demonstrating the use of advanced remote‑sensing techniques to guide future exploration.
These initiatives are intended to integrate thousands of artisanal miners into the formal economy, improve environmental and safety standards, and strengthen Zambia’s gold sector.
Entities: Artisanal miners · Gold trading centres · Satellite-based gold anomaly detection · ZCCM Investments Holdings · Zambia