Zimbabwe Launches 5-Year Drive to Cut Mercury Use in Gold Mining
Zimbabwe has launched a five-year environmental initiative aimed at reducing mercury use in artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) by 4.85 tonnes, while rehabilitating 76,000 hectares of land degraded by mining.
The programme is part of the planetGOLD Zimbabwe project, supported by the Global Environment Facility and led by the UN Environment Programme.
It is being implemented by IMPACT in partnership with the Ministries of Mines and Mining Development, and Environment, Climate and Wildlife.
The project targets 7,500 miners-men and women – across 11 districts, helping them transition to mercury-free technologies and adopt safer, formalised mining practices.
ASGM is the world’s largest source of mercury emissions, releasing 838 tonnes annually, with Zimbabwe contributing over 24 tonnes.
The initiative aims to reduce toxic exposure, improve environmental management, and align national mining operations with global standards.
Speaking at the planetGOLD Zimbabwe annual stakeholder conference in Harare, Environment, Climate and Wildlife permanent secretary Tadeous Chifamba said the project’s second year will inform the government’s review of its National Action Plan under the Minamata Convention.
“The government of Zimbabwe is fully committed to the implementation of the National Action Plan, which seeks to eliminate mercury use in ASGM, promote safer alternatives and align national mining practices with global environmental standards.
“This is not just a compliance exercise — it is a commitment to protecting the health of our miners, our communities and our ecosystems for generations to come,” he said.
Mines and Mining Development chief engineer Michael Munodawafa described the project as central to the government’s formalisation strategy.
“The project supports our national goal to formalise and professionalise artisanal and small-scale mining.
“It helps miners to adopt mercury-free technologies, improve safety and environmental management, and gain better access to finance and markets,” he said.
According to NewsDay, Zimbabwe’s National Action Plan, released in November 2019—outlines national commitments to reduce mercury use and promote responsible mining.
It calls for stronger collaboration among government agencies, ASGM associations, and development partners to improve health and safety in mining communities.
The planetGOLD Zimbabwe project uses a holistic, multisectoral approach to formalisation.
It aims to increase access to traceable gold supply chains and financing for sustainable, mercury-free technologies.
Officials say the initiative is not only about environmental compliance but also about transforming livelihoods and building resilient mining communities.
