Zambia’s Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development, in partnership with the British Geological Survey, has released a landmark report highlighting the country’s vast reserves of critical minerals and its strategic position in global supply chains.
The report comes ahead of African Mining Week (AMW), set for 1–3 October in Cape Town, where a dedicated panel—Zambia: Accelerating Exploration and Development Through License Allocation—will explore investment opportunities, market trends, and partnerships.
Copper
As the world’s tenth-largest producer, Zambia accounts for 3% of global copper output. Demand is expected to rise 25% by 2040, with major projects—including Sinomine Resources’ Kitumba Mine, Mimosa Resources’ Kashime Mine, and KoBold Metals’ Mingomba Mine—set to come online by 2026. The government targets three million tonnes annually by 2031.
Also read: Zambia to Build $1.1 Billion Oil Refinery in Strategic Energy Move
Cobalt
Zambia and the DRC jointly hold 58% of the world’s cobalt-bearing copper resources. Africa’s first cobalt sulfate refinery, spearheaded by Kobaloni Energy with $100 million backing from Vision Blue and the Africa Finance Corporation, will be commissioned by late 2025.
Manganese
Luapula Province leads manganese production, with Musamu Resources’ Luongo Mine aiming for one million tonnes annually by 2027.
Nickel
Production from First Quantum’s Enterprise Project and Mabiza Resources’ Munali Mine rose to 8,000 tonnes in 2023, with global demand projected to grow 70% by 2040.
Graphite, Lithium, Rare Earth Elements, and Columbite-Tantalite
Significant graphite and lithium deposits, rare earth element projects like Antler Gold’s Kesya Project, and growing columbite-tantalite exploration position Zambia to meet surging demand—forecast at 65% to 525% growth by 2040 for these minerals.
Also read: Africa’s Critical Minerals: The Key to Winning the Global Battery Race
With infrastructure investment, policy reforms, and accelerated license allocations, Zambia is positioning itself as a premier African destination for critical mineral exploration and development.
