Zambia’s Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development has released a comprehensive report highlighting the country’s vast critical mineral resources, developed in partnership with the British Geological Survey. The document covers key strategic minerals including copper, cobalt, manganese, nickel, graphite, lithium, rare earth elements and columbite-tantalite, and reinforces Zambia’s growing role in global supply chains.
The release of the report precedes African Mining Week (AMW), scheduled for 1–3 October in Cape Town. A dedicated session titled Zambia: Accelerating Exploration and Development Through Licence Allocation will spotlight the country’s mineral development strategy, exploring investment prospects, market trends and partnership opportunities.
Copper
As the world’s tenth-largest copper producer – contributing 3% of global output – Zambia is set to play a vital role in meeting an anticipated 25% increase in global copper demand by 2040. Several large-scale mining projects are due to come online by 2026, including Sinomine Resources’ Kitumba Mine, Mimosa Resources’ Kashime Mine and KoBold Metals’ Mingomba Mine. With a national target to raise production to three million tonnes by 2031, Zambia presents a major opportunity for mining investors.
Cobalt
In 2024, six Zambian operations were actively producing cobalt as a by-product of copper mining. Together with the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia holds 58% of the world’s cobalt-bearing copper resources. By the end of 2025, the commissioning of Africa’s first cobalt sulphate refinery – led by Kobaloni Energy and backed by a US$100 million investment from Vision Blue and the Africa Finance Corporation – will significantly expand output. Additionally, US-based Terra Metals is relaunching a copper-cobalt acid leach plant in the Kabompo Dome in 2025.
Manganese
Luapula Province serves as Zambia’s manganese mining hub. Musamu Resources’ Luongo Open-Pit Mine – the country’s first large-scale manganese project – began production in 2022 and aims to scale up to one million tonnes annually by 2027. Kabundi Resources also operates two manganese washing plants in Serenje.
Nickel
Zambia is home to two major nickel operations: the Enterprise Project operated by First Quantum Minerals and the Munali Mine run by Mabiza Resources. National output increased from 2,500 tonnes in 2019 to 8,000 tonnes in 2023. With global nickel demand forecast to rise by 70% by 2040, Zambia is well positioned to benefit.
Graphite
Significant graphite deposits have been identified in Petauke, Lundazi and Kapiri Mposhi, with high-grade occurrences at Mvuvye and Njoka. Additional discoveries at Sasare and Mkonda add to Zambia’s graphite potential. As firms such as Malaika Exploration prepare for commercial production, Zambia could play a key role in meeting a projected 130% surge in global graphite demand by 2040, largely driven by the electric vehicle sector.
Lithium
Zambia’s lithium reserves are primarily located in the Choma Belt, Southern Province. UK-based First Africa Metals has confirmed high-grade resources at its Misika and Kandela projects, with ongoing exploration across Tonga, Konayuma and Rock Valley. With global lithium demand expected to increase by 350% by 2040, these assets offer strong potential for boosting exports and job creation.
Rare Earth Elements
Exploration for rare earth elements is accelerating in Zambia, with demand projected to grow by 65% by 2040. Antler Gold is advancing work at its Kesya Project, while x-RAM Traws is progressing with the Nkombwa Hill discovery.
Columbite-Tantalite
Columbite-tantalite, a critical component in electronics, aerospace and energy technologies, represents a largely untapped opportunity for Zambia. Exploration is underway by Maamba Collieries in Southern Province and Malaika Exploration in the north-east. With demand forecast to rise by up to 525% by 2040, Zambia’s columbite-tantalite reserves are poised to become increasingly significant in global supply chains.
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