Planet Gold Zimbabwe is rolling out pilot demonstration sites nationwide to introduce mercury-free gold processing technologies aimed at boosting gold recovery rates while making artisanal and small-scale gold mining cleaner and safer.
By Ryan Chigoche
The initiative, now six months into implementation, is part of a broader four-pillar strategy designed to address deeply rooted challenges within Zimbabwe’s ASGM sector. These include limited formalisation, poor access to finance, and low awareness of the environmental and health hazards associated with conventional gold processing methods.
In 2024, artisanal and small-scale miners (ASM) in Zimbabwe produced 36 tonnes of the yellow metal, accounting for around 65% of the official gold deliveries—an immense contribution that cannot be ignored.
This year, the sector is aiming to produce 40 tonnes, which is a significant increase in gold production for the ASM sector in Zimbabwe.
With such a vital role in the country’s gold output, the need for sustainable and safe mining practices is more urgent than ever. Planet Gold Zimbabwe’s approach seeks to revolutionise the sector by promoting innovative solutions that protect both miners’ health and the environment while maximising gold recovery.
Nyaradzo Mutonhori, Project Manager of Planet Gold Zimbabwe, explained that the third pillar of the program is focused on the introduction of mercury-free technologies, which aim to not only eliminate the use of mercury but also increase gold recovery rates.
“We are hoping to set up pilot mercury-free technology demonstration sites in the different provinces and really drive innovative technologies that are mercury-free, but also technologies that will improve the amount of gold recovered in the processing of the mineral,” Mutonhori said.
Mercury, a toxic substance widely used by small-scale miners in gold extraction, poses serious risks to personal health and the environment. Its continued use is tied to a range of systemic challenges, including limited access to cleaner technologies and a general lack of awareness about its dangers.
An Integrated Approach to a More Productive, Cleaner, Safer Small-Scale Gold Mining
Planet Gold Zimbabwe is tackling the challenges of artisanal and small-scale gold mining through a four-pronged strategy that goes beyond technology to address deeper structural issues in the sector. At the heart of this strategy is the belief that improving the ASGM sector requires interventions that are interconnected—from formalisation to finance, technology, and education.
The first pillar of the project focuses on optimising formalisation. Planet Gold Zimbabwe believes that improving the formalisation of the ASGM sector will help build a more sustainable and organised industry, one that can continue contributing meaningfully to the country’s economic development. Formalisation is seen as a gateway to stronger regulation, better safety standards, and increased accountability.
The second component of the project is centred on financial inclusion and responsible supply chains. Limited access to capital remains a key barrier preventing small-scale miners from adopting cleaner, more efficient technologies.
By improving their credit profiles and supporting the development of responsible supply chains, the project aims to open up new financing mechanisms tailored specifically to artisanal miners. The ultimate goal is to move miners beyond the “small-scale” label, helping them grow their operations into more resilient and profitable enterprises, according to the project manager.
The third pillar, which represents the core mandate of Planet Gold Zimbabwe, is the introduction of mercury-free technologies.
The project plans to establish pilot demonstration sites across different provinces, showcasing innovative processing technologies that eliminate the use of mercury while also improving gold recovery rates. This approach responds to both environmental concerns and the need to boost productivity in the sector.
Lastly, the fourth pillar addresses a critical but often overlooked issue: the lack of awareness. Planet Gold Zimbabwe is rolling out awareness campaigns aimed at educating miners about the dangers of mercury and the benefits of alternative methods.
These campaigns will involve the creation of knowledge tools and materials designed to encourage behavioural change and reduce the use of toxic chemicals in gold processing.
Together, these four components form a comprehensive and integrated response to the complex challenges facing Zimbabwe’s small-scale gold mining sector.
Government Backing and Sector Coordination
Planet Gold Zimbabwe is guided by a Project Steering Committee co-chaired by the Minister of Mines and Mining Development and the Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife. Other ministries involved include Finance and Home Affairs, underlining the multi-sectoral support for the initiative.
This week, stakeholders gathered to unpack Zimbabwe’s national ASGM strategy, reviewing how it can be strengthened and used to tackle the sector’s persistent problems.
Engineer Munodawafa emphasised the urgency of funding innovation and phasing out dangerous mining practices like mercury use, which continues to threaten ecosystems and human health.
“Then we also need to address how we can resource the research, and also new methods of mining… Mercury is damaging a lot of our environment and even our health,” he said.
He also challenged artisanal miners to aim higher and embrace the opportunity for growth.
“We want to grow. Everyone should be moving up the ladder, not going down the ladder… If you see yourself going down the ladder, something is very wrong. You need to correct that, like yesterday. Because we all need to move up.”
The remarks echo Planet Gold Zimbabwe’s goals of enabling miners to transition toward formal, safer, and more profitable practices.
“Today we are here as a solution for miners, for the challenges that we still face in this very critical sector that continues to play a key role in our economy and in community life,” Mutonhori added.
The planetGOLD project in Zimbabwe aims to reduce mercury use in artisanal and small-scale gold mining by promoting formalisation, improving access to finance, encouraging the adoption of mercury-free technologies, and raising awareness.
Funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the project is executed by the international non-profit IMPACT, in close collaboration with the Zimbabwean government.
Zimbabwe is one of 25 countries participating in the global planetGOLD program. Locally, the project aims to benefit 7,500 miners across 11 districts, with the potential to prevent 4.85 tonnes of mercury emissions.
It is also a key part of Zimbabwe’s efforts to fulfil its obligations under the Minamata Convention on Mercury, which the country has ratified.
The convention is a global treaty that seeks to phase out mercury use across various sectors, including mining.
As Zimbabwe works toward a more sustainable and inclusive mining economy, the deployment of mercury-free technologies, combined with structural reforms and community engagement, represents a pivotal step forward.
