As Africa’s second-largest copper producer, Zambia is aggressively expanding its mining sector. The government is reallocating over 1,000 high-potential mining licenses, aiming to boost annual copper production to 3 million tons by 2031. To streamline approvals, a new digital mining license platform was launched in February 2025.
Key investments fueling Zambia’s copper expansion include:
- Mopani Mine recapitalization – $1 billion from UAE’s International Resources Holding, raising ore production to 2.8 million tons in 2024.
- Konkola Copper Mine relaunch – $1.3 billion investment from Vedanta Resources, boosting national output.
- Kitumba Copper Mine – A $600 million project launched in August 2024, adding 50,000 metric tons per year.
- Additional investments in 2025 from companies like KoBold Metals, Ecora, Patriot Lithium, Statunga Investments, and Altona, expected to further strengthen Zambia’s copper sector.
Beyond the DRC and Zambia: Exploration Across Africa
Elsewhere in Africa, exploration efforts are uncovering new copper reserves:
- Namibia: Canada’s Koryx Mining completed Phase 2 drilling at Haib Copper Project (February 2025), confirming high-grade deposits.
- Botswana: Trigon Metals secured EU funding (January 2025) to accelerate development at its Kalahari Copper Project.
