Mining in Zambia

Zambia is a well established non-conflict mining jurisdiction that boasts the presence of a large number of global mining companies, investors and developers of major natural resources projects.

Copper comprises 70% of Zambia's total export earnings, however, it has set ambitious targets to boost copper output from 821kt in 2024 to 3Mt by 2031. If achieved, this could propel the country from the world’s 7th-largest copper producer to the 3rd-largest, solidifying its position as a key player in the global copper supply chain.

Zambia produced 763,287 metric tons of copper in 2022 and mining is widely conducted across the country with well established infrastructure to support the extraction, processing and logistics / distribution of benficiated commodities.

Mining was originally clustered along the Copperbelt, like Konkola and Kitwe.In the last two decades, following the issuance of mining and exploration licences by the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) operational large commercial mines have stretched to the Central, North-Western and Southern Provinces.

The mining sector is expected to see and even more significant boost with the more accommodating taxation regime introduced in 2022 and the flow-on effect of the implementation of the cooperating agreement signed between Zambia and Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) for the electric vehicle battery supply chain that will require abundant battery metals and battery precursors.

The tenure of mining licences and assets is transparent with the recent establishment of a digital online mining Cadastre, run by a dedicated department.

More information can be found at the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Department 

https://www.mmmd.gov.zm