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The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) has announced that it will begin implementing the Zambia Child Project under the Global Elimination of Mercury in Non-Ferrous Metals Initiative—commonly known as GEMINI—in 2027.
The project, to be executed through the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA), aims to eliminate the use of mercury in non-ferrous metal production, with a particular focus on copper, zinc, and gold mining.
UNIDO Project Administrator, Kinsco Vizi, made the announcement in Lusaka on Thursday when he paid a courtesy call on the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment Permanent Secretary, Dr. Douty Chibamba.
According to a statement issued by Ministry Principal Public Relations Officer Harriet Chimuka, discussions centred on the implementation of the initiative, which will be funded by the Global Environment Facility at a total cost of US$5 million.
The meeting also addressed the need to strengthen collaboration and align national efforts toward achieving a mercury-free mining sector, while supporting Zambia’s ambition to increase copper production to three million tonnes annually by 2031, without compromising environmental protection or international standards.
Vizi noted that the project will work closely with local communities to raise awareness of the dangers of mercury, describing it as a highly toxic substance that contaminates air, soil, and water.
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He cautioned that mercury exposure posed severe risks to human health, ecosystems, and long-term livelihoods.
Meanwhile, Dr. Chibamba welcomed the initiative, saying it comes at a critical time as Zambia intensifies efforts to eliminate mercury use in mineral processing.
He stressed the importance of balancing the country’s drive for increased copper production with the protection of human life and the environment—a message he said has consistently been underscored by the Republican President.
“The adoption of new and safer technologies is highly encouraged,” Dr. Chibamba said.
He reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible mining practices as the nation seeks to expand economic growth within the mining sector.
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