The Planet Gold Zimbabwe project is targeting a major environmental milestone—eliminating over 4.85 tonnes of mercury from the country’s artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASM) sector over the next five years, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
Speaking to Mining Zimbabwe, Planet Gold Project Manager Nyaradzo Mutonhori said this effort is part of Zimbabwe’s broader commitment to safer, more sustainable mining practices under the Minamata Convention on Mercury. She noted that the programme is being co-chaired by the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development and the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife.
“We aim to reduce the use of mercury by 4.85 tonnes in five years. This aligns with Zimbabwe’s National Action Plan under the Minamata Convention, which is hosted by the Ministry of Environment,” said Mutonhori.
Searching for Safer, Chemical-Free Gold Processing Methods
The project is currently evaluating alternative technologies to mercury use, with a strong preference for chemical-free methods over options like cyanide, which, while effective, also poses serious health and environmental risks.
“While cyanide may be considered, it’s still a hazardous chemical. We are focused on identifying safer, mercury-free, and ideally chemical-free processing technologies,” Mutonhori explained.
She said the project is committed to finding solutions that avoid introducing new risks into mining communities while improving gold recovery and reducing environmental harm.
National Coordination Through a Multi-Stakeholder Committee
Planet Gold Zimbabwe is being implemented through a Project Steering Committee that includes key institutions such as the Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF), Fidelity Gold Refineries, the Ministry of Health and Child Care, and several other regulatory departments.
“It’s a coordinated national effort. We have all the critical stakeholders on board, from miners to regulators. Collaboration is central to achieving our goals,” she said.
Tackling Mercury Use in ASM: A National Priority
Mercury remains widely used in Zimbabwe’s ASM sector due to its low cost and simplicity in gold amalgamation. However, the toxic metal poses significant threats to human health, ecosystems, and water sources, especially in rural mining communities.
Zimbabwe’s commitment to mercury reduction under the Minamata Convention signals a shift toward a modernised and responsible mining model—one where economic development does not come at the cost of public health and the environment.
