The Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) has announced that Zambia’s proposal under the Global Elimination of Mercury in Non-Ferrous Metals (GEMINI) project has been approved by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and will now move into the preparatory phase.
Speaking during the opening session of the inception workshop for the Zambia GEMINI project in Lusaka today, ZEMA Acting Director General Karen Etondo said the preparatory phase will focus on baseline data collection and stakeholder engagement.
Ms. Etondo noted that mercury pollution remains a serious global environmental challenge, adding that Zambia is not immune to its harmful effects on human health and ecosystems.
She explained that the GEMINI project, with support from the Global Environment Facility, presents an important opportunity for Zambia to strengthen regulatory frameworks, introduce best environmental management practices, and build technical capacity through international cooperation.
“The project will help consolidate expertise and enhance Zambia’s ability to manage mercury emissions associated with non-ferrous metal production,” Ms. Etondo said.
Meanwhile, United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) Project Administrator Wame Gabaake said the initiative aims to support Zambia in meeting its obligations under the Minamata Convention on Mercury.
Mr. Gabaake stated that UNIDO’s goal is to help Zambia reduce mercury emissions by at least 10 percent, while also supporting the country’s ambition to increase copper production to three million tonnes per year by 2031.
The GEMINI project is expected to play a key role in balancing Zambia’s mineral production growth with environmental protection and sustainable industrial development.
By Samuel Mbewe
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