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Zimbabwe’s small-scale miners are on the verge of a major shift in how they extract gold. Through the Planet Gold Zimbabwe initiative, the government is rolling out new technologies and support structures to eliminate mercury use in artisanal gold mining—part of Zimbabwe’s commitment to the Minamata Convention.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
Speaking to Mining Zimbabwe on the sidelines of the Planet Gold Zimbabwe Mines and Minerals Bill analysis workshop held at Cresta Oasis Hotel on Wednesday, Planet Gold Zimbabwe Project Manager Ms. Nyaradzo Mtonhori explained that the initiative is being driven by the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife. Their shared goal is to reduce mercury use by over 4.85 tonnes within five years.
“We are working to reduce mercury use through introducing mercury-free gold processing technologies, while also easing the path to formalisation for artisanal and small-scale gold miners (ASGM),” said Mtonhori.
According to Mtonhori, the project is grounded in Zimbabwe’s National Action Plan on Mercury, which flows from the Minamata Convention—an international agreement designed to reduce and eliminate mercury emissions. Zimbabwe became a signatory in 2021.
So far, Planet Gold has completed a site profiling exercise in 11 mining districts, assessing the types of ore and mining activity taking place. Through this process, the project is identifying which districts are best suited for the different mercury-free technologies being piloted. The National Metallurgical Laboratory is currently analysing samples to determine how new technologies can be aligned with the unique conditions of each district.
“Our aim is to match ore characteristics to mercury-free processing techniques. Once that is done, we will begin introducing the new technologies and train miners on how to use them. Our target is not just the equipment, but a complete behavioural change,” she said.
She noted that while cyanide has been considered as an alternative, the project’s preference is for chemical-free solutions that don’t present new hazards.
“Cyanide is another hazardous chemical, so we are aiming to avoid replacing one problem with another. That’s why our approach leans towards gravity-based methods and cleaner options,” she said.
The rollout of mercury-free processing technologies is expected to begin next year, but implementation of the overall programme has already started. “We started implementation in November last year and we’re now seven months in. We are ahead of other countries running Planet Gold programmes,” Mtonhori noted.
One of the biggest concerns raised by small-scale miners is whether they will be able to afford or manage these new technologies. Many miners rely on mercury because it is simple and accessible. Planet Gold Zimbabwe’s approach is therefore centred on gradual transition and training.
“We are not imposing anything on miners,” said Mtonhori. “We want to work with them, let them see the benefits of switching away from mercury. This includes showing how safer methods can actually increase gold recovery.”
In recent consultations facilitated by the Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF), the feedback has been supportive, but caution remains. Many miners say they are still waiting to see how the technologies will perform in practice.
ZMF CEO Mr. Wellington Takavarasha acknowledged the importance of the initiative. “We support the reduction of mercury use, especially if safer and more efficient technologies are made available. But it must be done in a way that supports our miners, not criminalises them,” he said.
Mr. Takavarasha warned against approaching the transition as a top-down directive. “We don’t want a situation where miners are arrested for using mercury while the alternatives are not yet available or affordable,” he said.
He also raised concerns about duplication of institutions and overregulation. “We want to see a well-coordinated effort between government departments, Planet Gold, and miners. This is not just an environmental matter—it’s a livelihoods matter,” he said.
The Planet Gold Zimbabwe project, with a budget of over US$24 million, is one of the country’s largest donor-backed mining initiatives. If successfully implemented, it will place Zimbabwe among global leaders in responsible small-scale mining.
Mtonhori believes that Zimbabwe has the potential to become a model of safe, formalised small-scale mining in Africa. “We have a strong technical team, committed partners, and most importantly, miners who are ready to learn and adapt. The signs are positive,” she said.
As the pressure to phase out mercury increases globally, Zimbabwe’s early adaptation gives it a competitive advantage. But for the initiative to succeed, it must keep its focus on the people who matter most: the miners.
“The message we want to send to miners is that this change is for their safety, their families, and their future. We are not here to take mining away from them. We are here to help them do it better,” said Mtonhori.
For now, all eyes are on the upcoming rollout of the mercury-free processing systems. If the uptake is high and the results meet expectations, it could reshape Zimbabwe’s small-scale mining sector—and create a new chapter of responsible resource development in the country.
