Canada has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Zimbabwe’s artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASM) sector, pledging continued backing for initiatives that aim to eliminate mercury use through the Planet Gold Zimbabwe programme, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Ryan Chigoche
This commitment was highlighted during the Planet Gold Zimbabwe Inaugural Stakeholder Conference in Harare, which brought together government officials, development partners, and artisanal miners from across the country.
The conference focused on strategies to promote mercury-free technologies and strengthen environmental and social standards in the gold sector, providing a platform for collaboration between government, civil society, and the mining community.
Speaking at the event, Canada’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Adler Aristilde, said responsible and sustainable natural resource management is key to addressing challenges that span peace, security, and economic growth.
“Responsible and sustainable natural resource management is key to so many issues, from peace and security to economic growth and development. It is vital in ensuring that the benefits of mining reach local communities and that the environment, climate, and human rights are safeguarded,” said Aristilde.
Aristilde further noted that Canada remains deeply committed to advancing global standards in mining through environmental, social, and governance (ESG) frameworks. He explained that these principles underpin Canada’s development partnerships and guide its approach to working with resource-rich nations.
“Aligning mining practices with environmental, social, and governance objectives is a matter of significant interest to Canada. That is why Canada supports IMPACT and initiatives like this one. Planet Gold demonstrates the immense potential of clean technology in the gold mining sector, helping thousands of local miners make their practices more efficient, cleaner, more inclusive, and of course, reducing the use of mercury,” he added.
The ambassador also linked Canada’s support for Planet Gold to the country’s wider international climate finance strategy, through which Ottawa doubled its commitments to US$5.3 billion to help developing countries respond to the impacts of climate change.
The funding supports projects ranging from biodiversity conservation and renewable energy development to climate resilience across Africa.
Beyond environmental interventions, Canada has provided long-term support for initiatives that empower women in artisanal mining and promote traceable, responsible mineral supply chains. Such efforts, Aristilde said, reflect Canada’s broader commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainable resource management.
The ambassador commended the strong presence of artisanal miners at the Harare gathering, describing them as essential partners in Zimbabwe’s journey toward sustainable mining. He said their growing participation in discussions around clean technologies and formalisation reflected a positive shift in the country’s small-scale mining landscape.
He further applauded the ongoing collaboration between Planet Gold Zimbabwe, the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, and the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, noting that their efforts were laying the groundwork for a more responsible and resilient gold sector.
Planet Gold Zimbabwe, launched in 2019, aims to cut mercury use by several tonnes over five years while promoting safer and more profitable methods for small-scale miners. This year, the programme selected 72 sites across the country where mercury-free gold-processing technologies will be tested beginning in 2026.
