Zambia to Launch Mercury-Free Mining Project in 2027
Zambia will commence the Zambia Child Project in 2027 under the Global Elimination of Mercury in Non-Ferrous Metals Initiative (GEMINI), a programme aimed at phasing out the use of mercury in mineral processing.
The project, valued at US$5 million, will be funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented by the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA), with technical support from the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
The development was confirmed when UNIDO paid a courtesy call on the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, Dr Douty Chibamba, to discuss project implementation and collaboration.
Dr Chibamba welcomed the initiative, describing it as timely as Zambia intensifies efforts to eliminate mercury use in mining, particularly in copper, zinc and gold production. He emphasised the need to balance increased mineral output with environmental and public health protection.
“We need to produce more copper as a country, but not at the expense of people’s lives or the environment. This position has been strongly emphasised by the Republican President. New technologies that support this balance are more than welcome,” Dr Chibamba said.
Discussions during the meeting also focused on aligning national strategies towards a mercury-free mining sector, in line with Zambia’s goal to increase copper production to three million tonnes per year by 2031, while complying with international environmental standards.
Meanwhile, UNIDO Project Administrator, Mr Kinsco Vizi, said the project would work closely with local communities to raise awareness about the dangers of mercury, noting that the substance is highly toxic and contaminates air, soil and water, posing serious risks to human health, ecosystems and livelihoods.
The Government reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible mining as the country pursues economic growth through the minerals sector.
