ACP-EU Development Minerals Programme

Launch of the Digital Geodata Library
2024-04-12 | Suva, Fiji
In partnership with the European Union (EU) in the Pacific and the Pacific Community (SPC) the Programme supported the Mineral Resources Department (MRD) of Fiji to develop and launch its Geodata Digital Library to digitize geological data in Fiji. The Programme further supported the MRD through donation of a high-end scanner to digitize publications which can now be uploaded and accessed through the Geodata Digital Library. This will significantly improve geodata management across the country and will allow external researchers and developers within Fiji to access relevant publications, promoting greater collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Currently, access to the geodata library is limited to users within Fiji.

Exhibition of Development Minerals
2024-04-15 - 2024-04-17 | Lusaka, Zambia
Alongside the Forum on Sustainable and Inclusive Mineral Value Chains, South-South Cooperation and Knowledge Sharing, the ACP-EU Development Minerals Programme organized an exhibition on Development Minerals.
The exhibition showcased products made from Development Minerals by ASM enterprises from several African, Caribbean and Pacific countries, demonstrating the impact of the ACP-EU Development Minerals Programme in promoting economic empowerment and job creation.

Forum on Sustainable and Inclusive Mineral Value Chains, South-South Cooperation and Knowledge Sharing
2024-04-15 - 2024-04-17 | Lusaka, Zambia
The international Forum on Sustainable and Inclusive Mineral Value Chains addressed the importance of enhancing artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) practices, specifically focusing on Development Minerals which support livelihoods in numerous countries. Organized by the ACP-EU Development Minerals Programme, implemented by the United Nations Development Programme, and hosted by the Government of Zambia, the forum brought together over 140 participants from 30 countries.
The forum enabled knowledge exchange among various stakeholders, including government representatives, UNDP country office representatives, environmental agencies, ASM associations, mining enterprises, chambers of mines, international organizations, NGOs, academic institutions, and private sector entities. Key topics included sustainable ASM practices, governance tools, ASM and large-scale mining linkages, value-addition innovations, digital market integration, mineral information management, and the role of critical minerals in clean energy transition.
The outcomes of the forum included knowledge sharing, innovation exchange, policy advocacy, and networking to foster collaboration and advance sustainable and inclusive mineral value chains.

East and Southern Africa Regional Consultative Workshop: Towards an Artisanal and Small-scale Mining Continental Strategy
2024-04-24 - 2024-04-26 | Dar es Salam, Tanzania
The Programme supported the African Minerals Development Centre (AMDC) in organizing a regional workshop to discuss the artisanal and small-scale mining strategy for East and Southern Africa.
This consultative workshop supported the implementation of the African Mining Vision (AMV) within the artisanal and small-scale mining sector by proposing a strategy to address new and emerging challenges, refining activity options, and harmonizing outcomes at sub-regional and country levels.
During the workshop, participants engaged in validating a baseline assessment and a value chain analysis of Development Minerals in Tanzania. The two analyses included a detailed profiling of the ASM sector and a review of relevant legal, policy, and institutional frameworks governing ASM in Tanzania. The analyses also addressed the environmental, health, safety, and socio-economic impacts of ASM, and emphasized gender-inclusive strategies to promote equal opportunities for both men and women within the value chain in Tanzania.
Policy discussions also focused on aligning the ASM sector with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), particularly to enhance women’s participation. The event also promoted networking and capacity-building among media practitioners to improve reporting on AMV activities while reflecting on regional implementation strategies and drawing lessons from countries in East and Southern Africa.

Copperbelt Agriculture, Mining, Industrial and Networking Enterprise (CAMINEX)
2024-05-28 - 2024-05-30 | Copperbelt, Kitwe, Zambia
The Copperbelt Agricultural, Mining, Industrial and Networking Enterprise Committee organized and hosted the 2024 edition of the Copperbelt Agricultural, Mining, Industrial and Networking Enterprise (CAMINEX) in May 2024, under the theme “Unlocking Opportunities for Growth: Zambia’s Land linked Position.” The ACP-EU Development Minerals Programme, in partnership with the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development, participated to highlight and showcase implemented activities and the roadmap for future activities in the Programme. CAMINEX served as a platform to facilitate networking among ASMEs involved in the programme, resulting in increased business linkages.

ASM Cooperative Receives Made-in-Zambia Stone Crusher
2024-06-05 - 2024-06-07 | Livingstone, Zambia
To support value-addition and manufacturing in the sector, the Programme together with UNDP Zambia (Accelerator Lab), supported innovators in the ASM sector.

The Programme provided a small grant to a small-scale enterprise that makes equipment for artisanal miners. The small business run by Victor Pikiti with his son in Kabwe, Zambia, was selected among a dozen entries.

Initially started with manufacturing of agricultural equipment, Mr. Pikiti was inspired to produce equipment for small miners after he has seen the hardship and physical toil of women miners crushing stone. A stone crusher that was produced with this grant was donated to Chibelenga Manual Stone Crushers Cooperative, a women miners’ cooperative in Livingstone.
The initiative helps support domestic production of equipment, while at the same time benefitting artisanal women miners, improving their productivity and incomes. Sustainable business models to promote manufacturing of such equipment in Zambia and its adoption to improve productivity and occupational health of women who previously only used manual tools will be further explored for scaled-up adoption.

Stone for Development Work-Integrated Learning Program (now Mineral Security Masterclass)
2024-07-01 - 2024-07-12 | Suva, Fiji
In July 2024, geoscientists from Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Australia participated in the Stone for Development Work Integrated Learning Program.
This program, led by the University of Queensland (UQ) and Fiji’s Mineral Resources Department (MRD), trains early-career geoscientists in sustainable development challenges related to Pacific Development Minerals, while also building practical geoscience knowledge and skills.
The SFD program includes 40 hours of online training, followed by a two-week in-person placement in Fiji for scholarship recipients. For 2024, there were 36 registered online participants whereby 18 students (funded by DFATs new Colombo Plan) participated on work placements in Fiji and engaged in projects such as geological hazard mapping and assessment, environmental monitoring of river gravel extraction, river gravel resource assessment, and exploring the role of stone in Fiji’s architectural and cultural heritage.

Training of Trainers on Low-Carbon Materials: Stabilized Earth Brickmaking and Demonstration Building
2024-09-23 | Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
The Programme organized a Training of Trainers on production of Stabilized Earth Bricks – a type of low-carbon material following the Africa Forum on Low-Carbon Materials and SAMAO 2024. During the training, 100 practitioners – artisanal miners, researchers, students and experts from Burkina Faso and guest delegates – put into practice the knowledge about low-carbon materials that they gained during the preceding Africa Forum.
The TOT put the spirit of South-South cooperation and knowledge sharing into practice, mobilizing a team of trainers comprised of experts from Cameroon, an expert from Nigeria, locally available expertise from Burkina Faso – engineers, architects, researchers and practitioners.
The TOT combined theoretical and practical training.
During a 3-day theoretical training, experts guided participants through Stabilized Earth Bricks (SEB) construction techniques, sustainability challenges, and the role of Development Minerals in the economy. To set the tone, a documentary on Djenné – a world heritage site − showcased earthen architectural heritage, a historical masterpiece of traditional Sahelian architecture typical to Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. Participants then were guided to design a model building.
The remaining two weeks were dedicated to the practical training on the premises of the General Directorate of Quarries. During this hands-on training, the participants learned and practiced production of Stabilized Earth Bricks under a supervision by experts from the Programme and Cameroon. They produced nearly 6,000 stabilized earth bricks.
Overall, participants learned making Stabilized Earth Bricks, which is one type of low-carbon materials, and elements of earth construction techniques, how to organize and manage a production unit, and business approaches. The training provided valuable skills for value-addition to Development Minerals to learners within a short period, using minerals available in abundance locally, with quality techniques and low-cost production processes.
The training culminated in construction of a demonstration building as an added asset for promoting the value of low-carbon building materials and raising awareness about the potential for skills development for youth. The building was constructed on the premises of the Directorate General of Quarries (DGC) of the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Quarries.
The prototype low-carbon materials building aims to demonstrate opportunities in using local materials, technical expertise and indigenous knowledge, to build buildings that can meet different purposes – from office buildings to social housing that can be scaled up in the future, to meet the demand for public infrastructure and housing in fast-growing African nations.
The Training of Trainers also promoted cultural heritage, local materials and indigenous knowledge of women painters from Kassena ethnic group from Tiébélé in Burkina Faso, who adorned the building with their traditional mural art.

Africa Forum on Low-Carbon Materials and Value Addition to Development Minerals
2024-09-24 - 2024-09-25 | Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
The Africa Forum on Low-Carbon Materials and Value Addition to Development Minerals was held in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso from 24th to 25th September, 2024. It was organized by UNDP, implementing the ACP-EU Development Minerals Programme, under the auspices of the Government of Burkina Faso and in association with the West Africa Mining Week (SAMAO 2024).
The Forum brought together nearly 200 national and international participants, who came to share their expertise and experiences. The Forum was attended by delegates/representatives from governments, artisanal small-cale mining sector (ASM), mining companies, construction companies, academia, researchers and trainers from Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Guinea, Nigeria, Senegal, Togo, as well as online speakers from Ethiopia, and Germany.
The Forum discussed ways in which businesses and artisanal and small-scale miners collaborate with governments and researchers to add value to Development Minerals to produce construction materials that use local materials and create jobs and wealth. The Forum also raised awareness about low-carbon construction materials that have less environmental footprint and lower greenhouse gas emissions compared with conventional construction materials and promoted alternative and sustainable materials. It advocated for using locally available resources to promote entrepreneurship among young people and women, and respond to the challenges of growing urbanization, while doing so in an environmentally sustainable manner.
Such entrepreneurship would start addressing critical challenges faced in Africa, such as facilitating access to decent housing, creation of decent jobs, climate action and environmental protection, diversification of economic opportunities and the use of local materials, development of small and medium-enterprises, local content development, and the need for indigenous solutions for integrated development.
The Forum provided a unique opportunity for stakeholders from diverse countries to exchange good experiences in value-addition to minerals such as clays, sand, stone, laterites and volcanic materials, in production of low-carbon materials, in innovations and research in these materials, in building materials standards that embrace innovation and are suitable for climates in Africa, and in vocational training and higher education.
Bringing together international experts and ASM stakeholders, the Forum helped to raise knowledge and awareness on technical aspects of low-carbon materials, including research, manufacture and adoption of low-carbon materials, environmentally-friendly and socially-embedded architecture, and discussed the ways forward for the promotion and popularization of these materials.
The forum further explored opportunities for cross-country partnerships through skills development and training programs and provided an opportunity for networking and mentorship linkages.

West African Mining Week (SAMAO 2024)
2024-09-26 - 2024-09-28 | Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
The Sixth Edition of the West African Mining Week (SAMAO 2024) on the theme “Critical minerals: What development strategies for African countries?” was organized by the Government of Burkina Faso with the aim to promote the mining sector. The SAMAO 2024 brought together over 2000 delegates from sixteen countries Burkina Faso, Belgium, Cameroon, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Congo-Brazzaville, Demographic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Guinea, Niger, Nigeria, Mali, Senegal, Togo, Uganda and Zambia.
During a session dedicated to Development Minerals, the Programme brought together a panel of experts to explore the potential of construction materials in Burkina Faso and more widely in the region. The panel addressed topics such as energy saving, architectural designs, climate change mitigation, and the role of low carbon materials, fostering insightful discussions and knowledge exchange. SAMAO 2025 showcased the importance of Development Minerals in driving sustainable and eco-friendly construction.
In a forum dedicated to large scale mining of gold and other metals, the participation has created visibility for Development Minerals, and their contribution to local, sustainable economic development, underscored through steady participation since the second edition of SAMAO. During this recent, sixth edition, artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) of Development Minerals took center stage in discussion of ASM issues.
From their potentials to the versatile uses including low-carbon materials for infrastructure development and construction, the unique versatility of these materials and how the Programme is working to promote them in the ACP regions showcased economic diversification opportunities while responding to climate challenges through low-carbon materials promotion. The session contributed to shaping the narrative in mining for development. The final communiqué of SAMAO included several sector development measures, including formalisation and value addition.

13th Annual Mineral Wealth Conference
2024-10-01 - 2024-10-02 | Kampala, Uganda, Uganda
The ACP-EU Development Minerals Programme supported the 13th Annual Mineral Wealth Conference (1-2 October 2024, Kampala), themed “Leveraging Critical Minerals for Sustainable Development and Economic Transformation.” Organized by the Uganda Chamber of Mines and Petroleum and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, the event drew over 700 delegates.
The Programme supported visibility of artisanal and small-scale miners as valuable actors in the mining sector. It showcased initiatives empowering women in mining, promoting inclusion of marginalized groups, more sustainable practices minimizing the environmental impact, and value addition to Development Minerals. The Programme supported the launch of the Junior Chamber of Mines to foster youth innovation in mining.
Exhibitions supported by the Programme highlighted advancements in value addition, digitization, and research, demonstrating its extensive support for Uganda’s Development Minerals sector.

Dialogue on De-risking Financing for ASMEs in Development Minerals
2024-10-25 | Kampala, Uganda, Uganda
Artisanal miners encounter challenges in securing funding: as they operate informally and are involved in a sector often perceived as high-risk. However, access to finance is crucial for artisanal miners to transition from subsistence-level operations to more responsible and productive mining practices and engage in value-adding activities. In October 2024, the ACP-EU Development Minerals Programme hosted a dialogue on de-risking financing for Development Minerals value chains in Uganda. With over 40 participants from the public and private sectors, the event secured government commitments to create financial products suitable for artisanal miners and support cooperative registration to enhance access to finance, and guidance from banks for ASMEs to adopt ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance Standards) compliance for funding eligibility. Key stakeholders included UNDP, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, and the Uganda Chamber of Mines and Petroleum.

Training in Eco-Friendly Construction, Belabo, Cameroon
2024-11-11 - 2024-11-24 | Communes Belabo & Bertoua, East region, Cameroon, Cameroon
In November 2024, a week-long training workshop in communes of Belabo and Bertoua, in the East region of Cameroon, equipped young entrepreneurs with skills in smart, eco-friendly building construction with compressed earth bricks (CEB) and equipped solar power. Organized by the Programme, the training covered CEB production, construction techniques, and solar power technology. The workshop established a business incubator at the Government Technical High School Belabo and the foundation for a demonstration low-carbon building. This initiative aimed to address housing and electricity shortages in disaster-stricken regions of Cameroon and promote ecologically intelligent building solutions in the Belabo area.

Fifth Tanzania Mining Investment Conference
2024-11-19 - 2024-11-21 | Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
The Programme contributed to and participated in the 5th Tanzania Mining Investment Conference held in November 2024, organized by the Tanzanian Ministry of Minerals. The conference aimed to address challenges in the mining sector, particularly those related to increasing the value of minerals and attracting global investors to Tanzania.
Organized by the Ministry of Minerals, the event aimed to share firsthand experiences from various stakeholders and explore the interconnections among different players in the mining and mineral value chain. It highlighted the government’s commitment to robust practices, legal frameworks, certification mechanisms, and collaborative relationships among governments, chain of custody service providers, and companies engaged in mining, mineral processing, and export. The conference served as a platform for current and prospective investors in the mining sector, including ASM, government representatives, banks, NGOs, CSOs, and development partners, to gain comprehensive insights into Tanzania’s mining policies, investment incentives, and the government’s dedication to creating a supportive environment for sustainable mining.
The conference prominently addressed issues of artisanal and small-scale mining. It provided a key platform for publicising the findings of the Development Minerals baseline study, to spotlight the attention of decision makers on the sector, and sharing knowledge that inform policies, strategies, and programs aimed at promoting sustainability in the sector.
In particular, two key findings from the baseline study of Development Minerals in Tanzania garnered interest from both policy and regulatory perspectives, as well as from the perspective of the ASM. One finding highlighted the issue of double taxation of artisanal and small-scale miners in certain regions, where authorities in mining areas and processing areas imposed the same tax/levy. This was particularly prevalent with taxes and levies collected by local government authorities. Another finding addressed the limited capacity of the Regional Mining Offices (RMOs) in terms of staffing and equipment to effectively manage ASM operations. This limitation hampers their ability to implement programs such as extension services, health and safety inspections, environmental monitoring, and more. Addressing these issues would further advance the administration and management of the artisanal and small-scale mining sector, in particular of Development Minerals, where formalization is still lagging behind, and environmentally harmful practices remain widespread.

Uganda – Tanzania Knowledge Sharing Mission
2024-12-01 - 2024-12-07 | Dar es Salaam and Dodoma, Tanzania
A high-level delegation from Uganda explored best practices from Tanzania’s success in mining sector management. By learning from Tanzania’s experiences, Uganda aims to strengthen its own mining sector and unlock its natural resource potential.
The mission showcased Tanzania’s significant progress in the mineral sector, with key speakers sharing Tanzania’s experiences in exploration, value addition, and private sector engagement. Experts shared detailed advancements in geological research, and outlined initiatives supporting small-scale miners, value addition, and sustainable energy. They also emphasized the crucial role of transparency and data-driven governance in the extractive industries, underscoring Tanzania’s commitment to responsible resource management.
The Uganda delegation learnt about best practices in Tanzania on:

Technological advancements: Digitalization of mining regulations and estimation of mineral resources which involves leveraging digital tools to regulate mining activities and track them in real time.
Empowering small-scale miners who contribute 40% of Tanzania’s mining output
Governance and transparency: Insights into Tanzania Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (TEITI) data-driven governance
Geological information: Geological Survey of Tanzania’s systematic mineral sample analysis hailed as a benchmark for Uganda’s Geological Survey.

This collaboration and knowledge sharing between Tanzania and Uganda reinforces the potential of regional partnerships to unlock Africa’s natural resources for shared prosperity.

Training in Production of Stabilized Earth Bricks in Dschang, Cameroon
2024-12-02 - 2024-12-07 | Dschang, Commune of Menoua, West region, Cameroon
In December 2024, the city of Dschang hosted a training workshop for internally displaced persons from the Northwest region, which is in the grip of the security crisis, and host populations. The workshop participants learned how to produce eco-materials—compressed stabilized earth bricks.
Organized by the Programme in partnership with the University of Dschang and the Institute of Fine Arts in Foumban, the workshop trained 50 young men and women in using Development Minerals in sustainable building practices. The training included theoretical sessions at the University of Dschang and practical activities at a pilot site, covering topics such as environmental safety in mining, compressed earth bricks production, eco-material techniques, and entrepreneurship. A qualified team of experts, led by Dr. Moussa Charlot, provided instruction, contributing to the implementation of a continuing education programme in Development Minerals in Cameroon.

Environmental, Health, and Safety Compliance Training for Sustainable Mining in Tanzania
2025-05-13 - 2025-07-04 | Singida – Dodoma – Morogoro – Tanga, Tanzania
In Tanzania, the ACP-EU Development Minerals Programme worked with the Foundation for ASM Development (FADev) and the Mining Commission to train miners on health, safety, and environmental practices. Trainings took place between May and July 2025 in the mining areas of Singida, Dodoma, Morogoro, and Tanga regions. Over 380 artisanal miners took part, of whom 53% are women.

Mr. Chacha Megewa (right), together with experts from the Mining Commission and the ACP–EU Development Minerals Programme, delivered on-site health and safety training for artisanal and small-scale miners in Dodoma. Photo credit: UNDP Tanzania
The aim was to promote safer and more sustainable mining by building local capacity and sharing practical knowledge. The results of the trainings were both immediate and impactful, as participants gained hands-on skills in proper safety procedures, correct use of personal protective equipment, and basic first-aid practices.
In this regard, the importance of the training extended beyond transfer of knowledge by demonstrating the importance of joint efforts between miners, communities, and authorities to improve mining practices by uniting the programme, the Mining Commission and a local NGO (FADev) hence bridging the gap between policy, enforcement and on-the-ground reality fostering trust and shared language around sustainability.
Second, the deliberate inclusion of women – who often bear the highest health risks in ASM while having the least access to training – directly tackles gender inequality and empowers women as agents of change within their mining communities. Finally, by building local capacity, the programme seeds a self-replicating model of best practices, where trained miners become peer educators, enhancing the resilience and productivity of the sector long-term.
This initiative highlights that improving artisanal mining is not merely a technical challenge, but a socio-economic one. It demonstrates that sustained joint efforts between miners, communities, and authorities are essential for transforming mining practices, safeguarding both human dignity and the environment, and ensuring the sector’s viability as a source of livelihood for generations to come.

Unlocking Zambia’s Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Potential at CAMINEX 2025
2025-05-27 - 2025-05-29 | Copperbelt, Kitwe, Zambia
The ACP–EU Development Minerals Programme participated in CAMINEX (Copperbelt Agriculture, Mining, Industrial and Networking Enterprise) 2025, held from 27–29 May in Kitwe.
On 27 May, the Programme organized a high-level panel titled “Unlocking Zambia’s ASM Potential: Partnerships, Policy and Pathways to Inclusive and Sustainable Development” moderated by the Project Coordinator in Zambia, Simukali Mulongwe – the panel featured Tobias Musonda (Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development), Laurent Rudasingwa (UNDP), Lyapa Manza (GoviEx Uranium Zambia), and Namakau Kaingu (Association of Zambian Women in Mining).
Panellists take part in a discussion on strengthening artisanal and small-scale mining during the Copperbelt Agriculture, Mining, Industrial and Networking Enterprise (CAMINEX) 2025 exhibition in Kitwe, Zambia. The session, organized by the ACP–EU Development Minerals Programme, featured Simukali Mulongwe, Tobias Musonda, Laurent Rudasingwa, Lyapa Manza, and Namakau Kaingu, and focused on policy reform, formalisation, and partnerships. Photo credit: UNDP Zambia
The conversation focused on the government’s new Geological and Minerals Development Act of 2025, including the creation of an ASM Fund, expanded licensing, and stronger support for artisanal and small-scale businesses.
Panellists discussed how formalisation, better training, stronger environmental standards, and closer partnerships with industry can help miners operate more safely and profitably. The panel discussion helped strengthen partnerships, increased programme visibility, facilitated engagements with industry and local government, and showcased women-led ASM enterprises.

New Training of Business Experts in Cameroon: Building Skills to Help Small Businesses Succeed
2025-06-16 - 2025-08-20 | Yaounde, Cameroon, Cameroon
The ACP-EU Development Minerals Programme, through UNDP Cameroon, is working to grow a cohort of Cameroonian business development experts to support growth of micro, medium and small enterprises (MSMEs). From June to August 2025, a series of three intensive training were conducted, on the Growing Your Business/Supplier Development Programme Methodology (GYB/SDP).
Business development experts – participants of the training with public authorities, trainers, facilitators, and the UNDP team. Photo credit: UNDP Cameroon
The training is done in collaboration with UNDP’s Regional Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean (RBLAC), which developed the business-growth methods now being transferred to Cameroon. While the Development Minerals Programme supports small businesses doing value-addition to products made from minerals – mostly construction materials – the Agribusiness Initiative supports small businesses in agro-processing.
The training introduced new tools and methods to improve how businesses plan, manage finances, ensure product quality, and promote their products online. The trainees learned the GYB/ SDP methodologies that provide a systematic way for mentoring businesses for growth.
The training was very hands-on. Each participant worked directly with a small business to apply what they were learning. For example, one consultant helped a small clay-brick business organize its workspace using the 5S method, which reduced waste and boosted daily production. Another consultant helped a stone-cutting enterprise understand its costs better and set clearer prices, making it easier for the business to negotiate with buyers. In total, around two dozen small businesses started seeing real improvements during the training itself – whether in branding, financial planning, or how they present their products to customers.
After rigorous and intensive training, 24 of the training participants were accredited – which gives a mark of quality for these business development experts to mentor small businesses to grow and become competitive. This also creates Cameroon’s first cohort trained directly in the GYB/SDP methodology.
By focusing on agribusiness and development minerals, the initiative supports Cameroon’s national development goals and helps create more jobs and opportunities for local entrepreneurs in sectors identified as national priorities.

Empowering Women and Youth in Tanzania’s Artisanal Mining Sector
2025-07-24 - 2025-07-25 | Dodoma, Tanzania
A national workshop on empowering women in artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) was held in Dodoma from 24–25 July 2025. The event was opened by Mr. Ally Samaje, Assistant Commissioner for Minerals and Mines Development, and marked the launch of a new national effort to support women and youth in Tanzania’s Development Minerals sector. A key moment was the release of the Baseline Study on ASM, which will guide future actions and policies.
A panel discussion with NEMC, the Mining Commission, and ASM representatives on mitigating the environmental impacts of artisanal mining. Photo credit: UNDP Tanzania
The workshop brought together 63 participants from government, women’s mining associations (including Tanzania Women Miners Association, Tanzania Women in Mining & Mineral Industries and Women in Mining Association), Federation of Miners Associations of Tanzania, technical institutions, civil society, and miners from 13 regions.
Discussions focused on three priorities: promoting gender equity and stronger leadership roles for women; improving health and safety in mines through better regulation and training; and introducing practical solutions such as low-cost mechanisation tools and digital finance apps to support miners’ productivity and income.
Participants agreed on clear follow-up actions, including safer mining practices, better access to licensing and finance for women, and stronger collaboration between miners and policymakers. The workshop built on earlier training sessions held in Singida, Dodoma, Morogoro, and Tanga between May and July.

Equipping the New Generation of Miners in Uganda
2025-08-14 - 2025-08-27 | Kabale – Gulu – Busitema, Uganda
The growth of mining requires people to work in mining. At the same time, youth need to acquire employable skills, as many struggle after graduation – and before becoming employed. In Uganda, 180 young people (115 men and 65 women) participated in a series of trainings to improve their business and job skills in the mining sector.
Group photo of training participants at Kabale University. In the picture are Mr. Humphrey Asiimwe, CEO of Uganda Chamber of Energy and Minerals, and Mr. Michael Musinguzi from Q-Sourcing – a human resource development company, among others. Photo credit: UNDP Uganda
The sessions, held at Kabale, Gulu, and Busitema universities in August 2025, taught financial literacy, business planning, formalization, and sustainable mining. Participants included students, young entrepreneurs, and miners. The youth will continue to receive mentorship and business support through Uganda’s Chamber of Energy and Minerals, helping them create jobs and promote innovation in Uganda’s mining sector.
These trainings were organized by the ACP-EU Development Minerals Programme implemented by UNDP, together with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development and the Uganda Chamber of Energy and Minerals.

Growing Local Suppliers for a Sustainable Mining Future in Zambia
2025-09-14 - 2025-09-19 | Copperbelt, Kitwe, Zambia
Local content and supplier development are two sides of the same coin.
The ACP-EU Development Minerals programme is supporting small-scale miners to become reliable suppliers to large-scale miners. The Programme is working with UNDP Zambia and UNDP Regional Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean to implement the Supplier Development Initiative (SDP).
Mission team with the CEO and COO of FMS Bakery and restaurant in Kitwe, with some of the products from their bakery displayed on the table. FMS is one of the shortlisted SDP suppliers based in Kitwe.Photo credit: UNDP Zambia
It trained 36 national consultants in early 2025 who became qualified to provide coaching and mentoring to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises to grow as suppliers to bigger businesses. The SDP is now implementing a pilot with five small-scale mining cooperatives to supply silica to Mopani Copper Mines, along with ten women-led businesses.
The Programme builds skills, improves business opportunities, and connects small miners to bigger markets in a fair and sustainable way.

Building Skills for Sustainable Development Minerals in Tanzania
2025-09-18 - 2025-09-20 | Dodoma, Tanzania
The Programme worked with STAMICO (State Mining Corporation) in Tanzania to strengthen skills in the Development Minerals sector.
In Tanzania, the State Mining Corporation, apart from commercial large-scale mining, is also responsible for the development and professionalization of the artisanal and small-scale mining sector.
A joint team of experts from STAMICO (State Mining Corporation of Tanzania) and the ACP-EU Development Minerals Programme is identifying the best local laterite soil for producing stabilized earth bricks in Dodoma Photo credit: UNDP Tanzania
An initial field mission assessed training needs, visited laterite-rich sites for soil sampling, and identified areas for future activities. The team also reviewed STAMICO’s current artisanal and small-scale mining training curriculum to integrate topics such as environmental standards, sustainable mining, and business development. This joint mission marked the start of a deeper collaboration, highlighting the role of national institutions in promoting responsible practices and local capacity building in the mining of development minerals.

Raw Materials Assessment for Low-Carbon Cement in Fiji
2025-09-23 - 2025-09-26 | Suva and Sigatoka, Fiji
In Fiji, the Programme launched a comprehensive assessment to find local raw materials that can be used to make Limestone Calcinated Clay Cement (LC3) in Fiji. The assessment aims to reduce Fiji’s dependence on imported clinker, which makes cement expensive and increases carbon emissions.
Robert Smith, Nanise Soko, Rigieta Ravuiwasa and Wame Macedru at one of the sampling sites at Pleass Global in Nabukavesi. Photo credit: UNDP Fiji
Preliminary findings show that some samples have good potential for LC3 production.
The assessment also integrates LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology, which uses laser light to create detailed maps of the land, help plan future quarry work and assess possible risks. The study marks a critical step toward sustainable, low-carbon cement production in Fiji.
Experts and partners of the ACP-EU Development Minerals Programme, along with UNDP Pacific office in Fiji, are undertaking the raw materials assessment for low-carbon cement.

Eco-Brick Training for Young Women and Internally Displaced People in Cameroon
2025-09-29 - 2025-10-05 | Dschang, Commune of Menoua, Cameroon, Cameroon
In Cameroon, the ACP-EU Development Minerals Programme conducted training on low-carbon materials and eco-construction, in partnership with the University of Dschang, from 29 September to 5 October 2025.
The construction with production of stabilized earth bricks (SEB) is an environmentally-friendly alternative to the use of fired bricks, by utilizing locally mined minerals. This training provides an opportunity for communities in Cameroon to create jobs and improve their livelihoods, particularly in the context of artisanal exploitation of Development Minerals in Cameroon.
Trainees construct a demonstration structure using stabilized earth bricks (SEB) on the University of Dschang campus during the ACP–EU Development Minerals Programme’s practical session on eco-construction. Photo credit: UNDP Cameroon
For 7 days, thirty-three young women, including internally displaced persons (IDPs) and members of the host communities, learned and applied new skills in identification and transformation of locally available minerals, such as laterite and clay. They were able to apply their new skill by realizing a demonstration SEB eco-construction in the University of Dschang campus.
By gaining these new skills, the participants can now help the production of stabilized earth bricks (SEB) and rebuild their communities after conflict, while also supporting local, sustainable, and inclusive economic development that makes use of recyclable and locally available resources.

Six Days, One Handbook: Africa’s ASM Booksprint
2025-11-10 - 2025-11-15 | Livingstone, Zambia
From 10 to 15 November 2025, artisanal and small-scale mining experts from 18 countries met in Livingstone, Zambia, for the Africa Regional ASM book. The workshop resulted in a draft handbook for ASM extension service providers that consolidates key material from capacity building of artisanal and small-scale miners (ASM) across the continent into a single handbok.
Opening remarks at the Africa Regional ASM Booksprint, with Lacina Pakoun, Technical Advisor for Minerals at the ACP-EU Development Minerals Programme, alongside Mr. Azell Banda of Zambia’s Ministry of Mines and Mineral Development and Mr. James Wakiaga, United Nations Development Programme Resident Representative in Zambia, addressing participants. Photo credit: UNDP Zambia
The event opened with remarks from Mr. Azell Banda of Zambia’s Ministry of Mines and Mineral Development, who spoke about new national efforts to train and support small-scale miners. Dr. James Wakiaga, UNDP Resident Representative in Zambia, reminded everyone how many people depend on ASM for their livelihoods and why safer, more sustainable practices are essential. Ms. Isabelle Magne from the European Commission highlighted the EU’s partnership with UNDP and African institutions, noting that ASM has an important role in Africa’s green transition. Mr. Mkhululi Ncube of the African Minerals Development Centre (AMDC) presented the emerging African ASM framework.
Over six days, participants drafted the main chapters of the new manual, covering legal frameworks, formalization, mining methods, health and safety, environmental management, business skills, and gender inclusion. The Booksprint taps into collective knowledge and experience of the experts and builds upon existing guides that have been developed as part of the ACP-EU Development Minerals Programme’s decade of work in formalization and training of ASM, the recently developed Zambian ASM Manual for Extension Service Providers, as well as other initiatives such as the DELVE Exchange ASM Academy, the CRAFT Code for Artisanal Miners and other best practice resources.
What made this workshop unique was its fast, highly collaborative writing process. By the end of the week, teams had produced a solid first draft that will serve as an essential guide for extension service providers for a safer, better organized, and more sustainable ASM across Africa.
