Zambia's state-owned mining holding company, ZCCM Investments Holdings (ZCCM-IH), is in active discussions with the Ministry of Mines to establish dedicated gold trading markets.
The initiative targets areas where gold mining activities are currently undergoing formalization, aiming to bring structure to a sector that has historically operated with limited regulatory oversight.
ZCCM-IH Board Chairperson Phesto Musonda confirmed the talks, signaling a strategic shift toward greater state involvement in the downstream gold value chain.
By creating formal trading venues, the government and the state miner seek to capture more value from domestic production and reduce the prevalence of informal or illicit trade routes that have long plagued the sector.
This development aligns with broader regional efforts to professionalize artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM).
Similar initiatives in neighboring Zimbabwe have seen government officials and financial institutions push for responsible financing and formalization of ASM operations to boost revenue and improve governance.