Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) Supply Chains Researcher - Harare

About planetGOLD Zimbabwe
The planetGOLD Zimbabwe project is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). In Zimbabwe, IMPACT is the executing agency, in partnership with the Ministries of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, and Mines and Mining Development.
The project will work together with local communities to reduce the use of mercury in artisanal and small-scale gold mining, the world’s largest source of anthropogenic emissions of mercury pollution while improving the health and lives of local mining communities. This project is expected to support 7,500 direct beneficiaries (30% women, 70% men) across Zimbabwe, prevent the release of 4.85 tons of mercury emissions over its lifetime and contribute to the sustainable management of approximately 76,000 hectares of landscapes. The Zimbabwe project is part of a global program similarly implemented in 25 countries. Learn more: https://planetgold.org
Background
The Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) sector is a critical contributor to Zimbabwe’s gold production, employment, and rural livelihoods. However, persistent challenges within ASGM supply chains, particularly related to financing, trading arrangements, and market access, continue to limit the sector’s ability to operate responsibly, transition away from mercury use, and fully integrate into formal and international gold markets.
Fidelity Gold Refineries (FGR) has committed to strengthening its responsible sourcing and supply chain management systems in line with international standards, including the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals. These efforts include the rollout of traceability systems designed to track gold from mine to market, improve transparency, and unlock access to responsible financing and trading opportunities for both large-scale and artisanal miners.
This study will examine ASGM supply chains in Zimbabwe, with a specific focus on financing and trading-related barriers and opportunities and will identify multi-sectoral solutions that can increase formal market participation and access to finance for ASGM groups.
Objective of the Assignment
The planetGOLD Zimbabwe project seeks to generate evidence-based recommendations that strengthen ASGM supply chains by improving access to finance, responsible trading arrangements, and multi-sectoral collaboration, resulting in increased participation of ASGM groups in formal and responsible gold markets.
Specific Objectives:

• Analyze ASGM gold supply chains in Zimbabwe, from production through trading and refining, with emphasis on financing and market access.
• Identify structural, regulatory, and operational barriers affecting ASGM access to finance and formal trading channels.
• Assess the role of traceability and responsible sourcing systems in enabling, or in some instances, constraining, access to finance and markets.
• Identify opportunities for multi-sectoral collaboration involving government, refiners, financial institutions, miners’ associations, and civil society.

Scope of work
 Under this assignment, the consultant(s) will undertake the following tasks:
4.1 ASGM Supply Chain Analysis

• Map ASGM gold supply chains, including production, aggregation, trading, refining, and export pathways.
• Analyse formal and informal trading arrangements and their implications for pricing, finance, and market access.
• Identify leverage points within the supply chain where interventions can improve transparency and inclusion.

4.2 Financing and Trading Assessment

• Assess existing and emerging financing mechanisms for ASGM, including gold-backed finance, pre-financing, off-take agreements, microfinance, and cooperative models.
• Identify barriers to finance such as formalisation requirements, documentation, collateral constraints, and risk perceptions.
• Examine how responsible sourcing and traceability systems can unlock financing and trading opportunities.

4.3 Gender and Financial Inclusion

• Analyse gender-specific barriers within ASGM supply chains, particularly in access to finance and trading opportunities.
• Identify inclusive financing and trading models that support women’s participation and leadership in ASGM.

Multi-Sectoral Stakeholder Engagement

• Present preliminary research findings to key stakeholders, including government agencies, financial institutions, refiners, ASGM associations, women miners’ groups, and civil society organizations.
• Facilitate structured dialogue to validate findings and co-develop practical, coordinated solutions, including actionable recommendations and opportunities for multi-sectoral collaboration.

Recommendations and Action Planning

• Develop actionable, time-bound recommendations to strengthen ASGM supply chains through financing and responsible trading.
• Define roles and responsibilities for key actors across sectors.

Deliverables
The consultant(s) will undertake one integrated research assignment and produce the following outputs as part of a single, consolidated study:

1. Deliverable 1: Research Inception Report
   • Research design, methodology, stakeholder mapping, and detailed work plan.
2. Deliverable 2: Consolidated Draft Research ReportA single draft report covering:
   • ASGM supply chain mapping (production, trading, refining, export).
   • Financing and trading dynamics and constraints.
   • Gender and financial inclusion considerations.
   • Preliminary conclusions and recommendations.
3. Deliverable 3: Validation and Feedback Meeting

• Presentation of key research findings by the consultant to invited stakeholders, with stakeholder identification, invitations, and logistical arrangements led by the project.
• Facilitation of dialogue during the session to validate findings and incorporate stakeholder feedback, contributing to the refinement of final conclusions and recommendations.

4. Deliverable 4: Final Research Report and Action PlanA single, integrated final report that:
   • Synthesizes all analytical components into one coherent narrative.
   • Provides clear, actionable recommendations.