Zambia is accelerating efforts to formalise its artisanal and small scale gold mining sector through plans by ZCCM Investments Holdings (ZCCM-IH) and the Government to establish gold trading centres in strategic mining areas. The initiative is designed to create structured markets where artisanal miners can sell gold through official channels, improving transparency, strengthening traceability and reducing illicit mineral trading. It also forms part of the country’s broader strategy to diversify its mining sector beyond copper while ensuring greater economic benefits remain within Zambia.

The proposed trading centres are expected to provide miners with fair and transparent pricing while giving the government better oversight of gold production and trade. By creating accessible buying points, authorities hope to discourage smuggling, improve compliance with mining regulations and increase the volume of gold traded through formal channels. The move is also expected to strengthen Zambia’s gold reserves and generate additional revenue through regulated mineral sales.

ZCCM-IH has played an increasingly prominent role in developing Zambia’s gold industry. Beyond purchasing gold from artisanal miners, the state-backed mining investment company has invested in gold exploration, processing facilities and training programmes aimed at improving responsible mining practices. Through ventures such as Kyalo Goldfields Limited and the Zambia Gold Company, the organisation is expanding support for mechanised mining, mineral processing and value addition while helping integrate small scale miners into the formal economy.

The initiative complements ongoing government programmes focused on capacity building for artisanal miners. Recent nationwide training programmes have equipped miners with knowledge on safer mining methods, environmental management and legal compliance, reflecting a broader commitment to improving productivity while reducing the environmental and social risks associated with informal mining.

Artisanal and small scale mining continues to provide livelihoods for thousands of Zambians, particularly in rural communities. However, much of the sector has historically operated outside formal markets, limiting access to finance, technology and investment while contributing to illicit mineral exports. By establishing regulated trading centres, policymakers aim to create stronger links between miners, financial institutions and downstream processors, enabling greater participation in Zambia’s growing gold industry.

The reforms also align with a wider continental trend, with African governments increasingly seeking to formalise artisanal mining to improve governance, increase tax revenues and maximise the economic benefits of mineral resources. Countries including Burkina Faso, Ghana and Tanzania have implemented similar measures as part of broader resource management strategies.

As Zambia continues to expand its gold sector, the planned trading centres could become a cornerstone of a more organised and sustainable artisanal mining industry. Combined with ongoing investment in exploration, processing and local value addition, the initiative has the potential to strengthen rural economies, enhance investor confidence and position gold as a more significant contributor to Zambia’s long-term economic diversification.