Mercury—a highly toxic chemical used to extract gold from ore—is leaving a devastating impact on people and the environment. It damages the lungs, skin, and eyes while spreading far beyond mining sites, contaminating air, water, and soil. Even worse, mercury accumulates in the food chain, posing a serious threat to public health.
In Zimbabwe, artisanal gold mining is a major economic driver, with over 300,000 people relying on the sector, which contributes to more than 40% of the country’s mineral exports. However, the reality is alarming—96% of artisanal gold mine sites in Zimbabwe still use mercury, often without protective equipment. As a result, more than 24 tonnes of mercury are released into the environment every year, endangering both miners and surrounding communities.
But change is coming. Enter planetGOLD Zimbabwe—a groundbreaking five-year initiative aimed at reducing mercury use in artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM). Funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the project is being executed by the international non-profit IMPACT in collaboration with the Zimbabwean government.
A New Era for Zimbabwe’s Gold Miners
planetGOLD Zimbabwe is set to transform the mining sector by:
✅ Supporting 7,500 miners across 11 districts to adopt mercury-free gold extraction methods.
✅ Reducing mercury use by 4.85 tonnes over the project’s duration.
✅ Formalizing the artisanal gold mining sector, giving miners access to finance.
✅ Promoting responsible, traceable gold supply chains.
This ambitious project is part of a larger global programme operating in 25 countries, all working toward a world free from mercury pollution in ASGM.
A Strong Commitment to Change
On November 14, planetGOLD Zimbabwe was officially launched in Harare, bringing together key stakeholders at an Inception Workshop to discuss how the project will drive a safer and more responsible artisanal gold sector.
Speaking at the event, Edward Samuriwo, acting Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Environment, Climate, and Wildlife, emphasized the urgency of tackling mercury pollution. He reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to the Minamata Convention on Mercury, which the country ratified in 2021, and highlighted the critical role planetGOLD Zimbabwe will play in achieving the country’s National Action Plan for eliminating mercury use in ASGM.
“Through the launch of the planetGOLD project, Zimbabwe moves towards more responsible artisanal gold mining. We look forward to working with all stakeholders to create sustainable change in the sector,” said Yann Lebrat, Deputy Executive Director of IMPACT.
With this bold initiative, Zimbabwe is stepping up to protect its people, environment, and future generations from the dangers of mercury. The shift to safer, mercury-free gold mining is not just an environmental necessity—it’s a path toward a healthier and more sustainable economy.
The future of gold mining in Zimbabwe is changing—one step at a time
