Zambia’s Mining Sector Positioned to Lead Africa’s Green Energy Transition

Zambia has taken a strategic leap toward solidifying its role in the global critical minerals supply chain, releasing a comprehensive geological report in partnership with the British Geological Survey. The report outlines the country’s rich deposits of minerals essential for the global energy transition—among them copper, cobalt, manganese, lithium, nickel, graphite, and rare earth elements (REEs). This announcement comes as anticipation builds for African Mining Week (AMW), scheduled for October 1–3 in Cape Town, where Zambia will be the focus of a dedicated panel discussion titled “Zambia: Accelerating Exploration and Development Through License Allocation.”

The session is expected to highlight Zambia’s mineral potential, government strategies, policy reforms, and investment opportunities, positioning the country as a global hotspot for sustainable mining.

Copper: The Backbone of Zambia’s Mining Ambitions

As the world’s 10th-largest copper producer, Zambia accounts for 3% of global output and plays a pivotal role in the global transition to electrification and green energy. The country aims to triple its production to three million tons by 2031. This is supported by a pipeline of large-scale mining developments:

• Sinomine Resources’ Kitumba Mine

• Mimosa Resources’ Kashime Project

• KoBold Metals’ Mingomba Mine, a high-tech AI-driven exploration venture

With global copper demand projected to rise by 25% by 2040, Zambia’s expanded production could be vital in reducing supply bottlenecks in renewable energy infrastructure and electric vehicles.

Cobalt: New Refineries and Plants Bolster Output

Zambia, alongside the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), hosts over half of the world’s cobalt-bearing copper reserves. As of 2024, six Zambian mines are extracting cobalt as a by-product of copper mining. Major projects advancing cobalt production include:

• Africa’s first cobalt sulfate refinery in Zambia, slated for commissioning by late 2025

  • Led by Kobaloni Energy

  • Backed by $100 million from Vision Blue and the Africa Finance Corporation

• U.S.-based Terra Metals is reviving a copper-cobalt acid leach plant in the Kabompo Dome by 2025

These efforts will significantly expand Zambia’s downstream capabilities and refine critical inputs for electric vehicle batteries.

Manganese: Scaling Luapula Province’s Production Capacity

Luapula Province has become Zambia’s manganese epicenter. The Luongo Open-Pit Mine by Musamu Resources, launched in 2022, represents the country’s first large-scale manganese operation. It targets production of one million tons per annum by 2027.

Additionally, Kabundi Resources is bolstering the value chain with two operational manganese washing plants in Serenje, improving ore quality for export and domestic use.

Nickel: Output Rising in Step With Global EV Demand

Zambia’s nickel sector is anchored by:

• Enterprise Project – owned by First Quantum Minerals

• Munali Mine – operated by Mabiza Resources

Nickel production has seen an uptick from 2,500 tons in 2019 to 8,000 tons in 2023, and is poised for further growth as global demand is projected to increase by 70% by 2040. Nickel is a crucial element in lithium-ion batteries, stainless steel, and energy storage systems.

Graphite: High-Grade Discoveries Across Multiple Districts

Significant graphite prospects are emerging in Petauke, Lundazi, and Kapiri Mposhi. Notable high-grade deposits have been identified at:

• Mvuvye

• Njoka

• Additional deposits: Sasare and Mkonda

Malaika Exploration is currently advancing efforts to commercialize these resources. With global graphite demand expected to surge by 130% by 2040, Zambia could become a key player in the global anode material supply for EV batteries.

Lithium: Unlocking the Southern Province’s Strategic Belt

The Choma Belt in Zambia’s Southern Province is now a center of lithium exploration. UK-based First Africa Metals has confirmed high-grade deposits in its Misika and Kandela projects. Further drilling is ongoing in:

• Tonga

• Konayuma

• Rock Valley

Given the forecasted 350% growth in global lithium demand by 2040, Zambia’s emerging lithium sector holds transformative potential for national revenues, employment, and export diversification.

Rare Earth Elements: Strategic Exploration Underway

Rare earth elements (REEs) are vital for wind turbines, electric motors, and electronics. Zambia is expanding REE exploration through:

• Antler Gold – progressing at the Kesya Project

• x-RAM Traws – advancing the Nkombwa Hill discovery

With REE demand projected to grow by 65% by 2040, Zambia’s initiatives aim to reduce Africa’s dependency on imports and position the country as a regional REE hub.

Columbite-Tantalite: High-Tech Demand Sparks Exploration

Zambia’s potential columbite-tantalite deposits are gaining interest due to their use in electronics, defense, and clean energy systems. Exploratory activities are being spearheaded by:

• Maamba Collieries in Southern Zambia

• Malaika Exploration in the north-east

Demand for this mineral is expected to rise by up to 525% by 2040, presenting Zambia with a valuable opportunity to diversify mineral exports.

Africa Mining Week 2025: Platform for Zambia’s Global Mining Pitch

Zambia’s upcoming panel at African Mining Week 2025 will showcase its commitment to transparency, streamlined license allocations, and improved investor confidence. Government officials, geologists, and international investors will discuss enabling policies, infrastructure upgrades, and ESG strategies aimed at attracting sustainable mining capital.

This landmark report and Zambia’s AMW participation reflect a broader agenda to unlock the country’s vast natural wealth while supporting the global clean energy transition. As governments and industries worldwide seek secure and ethical sources of critical minerals, Zambia is rising to meet the moment.