Zambia's Copper & Industrial M...

Powering Progress: Zambia's Copper & Industrial Minerals Sector in 2025

Lusaka, Zambia – May 16, 2025 – While gold and gemstones often capture the limelight, the bedrock of Zambia's mining legacy and its future economic trajectory remains firmly anchored in copper and a growing array of industrial minerals. As of early 2025, the nation is witnessing a revitalized push in these sectors, driven by ambitious government targets, fresh investments, and a global demand for materials crucial to the green energy transition. Chiwempala Heritage Minerals Limited, with its diverse capabilities in commodity trading and support services, is keenly observing and ready to contribute to this renewed momentum.

Copper's Resurgence and Ambitious Targets:

Zambia's copper sector is experiencing a significant upswing. The government has set ambitious targets, aiming for an output of approximately 1 million tonnes in 2025, with a long-term vision of reaching 3 million tonnes annually by 2031. This drive is supported by:

• Revival of Key Mines: Operations at mines like Lubambe, Luanshya, and Kalengwa are being boosted, alongside substantial investments in major players like Mopani Copper Mines (backed by International Resources Holding) and Konkola Copper Mines (Vedanta Resources). New projects, such as the Kitumba Copper Mine, are also adding to the production capacity.
• Increased Exploration: Both government-led initiatives, like the nationwide aerial geophysical survey, and private sector exploration (e.g., Barrick Gold, Jubilee Metals Group, Handa Resources, KoBold Metals) are intensifying. The launch of the digital Zambia Integrated Mining Information System in February 2025 aims to streamline mining license management and attract further investment.
• Policy and Regulatory Framework: The introduction of the Minerals Regulation Commission Act, 2024, aims to consolidate regulatory functions and improve efficiency. A stable and competitive tax regime remains a key government focus to attract and retain investment.

The Untapped Potential of Industrial Minerals:

Beyond copper, Zambia holds significant, often less-publicized, reserves of various industrial minerals essential for construction, manufacturing, and technology. These include:

• Cobalt: Often found alongside copper, cobalt is critical for batteries and high-strength alloys. New discoveries and processing initiatives, such as Terra Metals Inc.'s plans to re-commission a copper and cobalt acid leach plant in Q1 2025, highlight its growing importance.
• Manganese: Used in steel production and increasingly in battery technology, Zambia has seen a notable increase in manganese production.
• Nickel: Another key component for batteries and stainless steel, nickel production also saw substantial growth in 2024.
• Limestone, Gemstones (like Amethyst), and other construction/industrial inputs: These minerals support local industries and have export potential, with companies like Kariba Minerals exploring value addition in areas like amethyst jewelry and countertops.

Opportunities Abound:

This renewed vigor in the copper and industrial minerals sector creates a cascade of opportunities:

• Investment: From large-scale mining operations to exploration ventures and value-addition projects (e.g., local processing of minerals, manufacturing of mining inputs).
• Supply Chain & Logistics: Increased production demands robust and efficient logistics, transportation, warehousing, and security services for raw materials, processed goods, and equipment.
• Support Services: A wide range of support services are needed, from technical and engineering expertise to environmental management, community liaison, and compliance advisory.
• Local Content & Value Addition: There's a growing emphasis on increasing local participation in the value chain, from supplying goods and services to establishing local processing and manufacturing facilities. The upcoming 2025 Zambia Mining and Investment Insaka, themed "Unlocking Africa's Mineral Wealth: Advancing Mining Beneficiation and Value Addition in a Sustainable Manner," reflects this national priority.

Navigating the Path Forward: Challenges to Address:

To fully realize this potential, certain challenges must be proactively managed:

• Infrastructure Development: While significant investments are underway (e.g., in the TAZARA railway, Lobito Corridor, and general road networks), continued development of reliable energy, rail, and road infrastructure is crucial to reduce operational costs and improve efficiency.
• Energy Security: The mining sector is energy-intensive. Ensuring a stable and cost-effective power supply, including through the integration of renewable energy sources, remains a priority.
• Skills Development: Building a skilled local workforce to meet the technical demands of a modernizing mining sector is essential.
• Regulatory Consistency: Maintaining a stable, predictable, and transparent regulatory and fiscal environment is key to long-term investor confidence.
• ESG Compliance: Adherence to high environmental, social, and governance standards is critical for sustainable development and international market access.

Chiwempala Heritage Minerals: Your Partner in Progress

While Chiwempala Heritage Minerals Limited has a strong focus on gold, our broader capabilities in commodity trading, logistics, and mining support make us a valuable partner in the expanding copper and industrial minerals landscape. Our expertise in:

• Non-Specialized Wholesale Trade (Business Activity 4690): Allows us to facilitate the trade of various industrial minerals, connecting producers with markets.
• Warehousing and Storage (Business Activity 5210): We can provide or arrange secure storage solutions for mineral products and mining supplies.
• Support Activities for Other Mining and Quarrying (Business Activity 0990): We offer logistical support, compliance advisory, and can help bridge gaps in the supply chain for mining operations of all sizes.
• Documentation and Export Facilitation: Our knowledge of Zambian export procedures can be applied to a range of mineral commodities.

We are committed to supporting the sustainable growth of Zambia's entire minerals sector by providing reliable, transparent, and efficient services.

A Future Forged in Minerals:

Zambia is making bold strides to reassert its position as a leading mining jurisdiction, not just in copper but across a diversified mineral portfolio. The commitment to overcoming challenges and fostering an enabling environment, coupled with global demand, paints a promising picture for 2025 and beyond.