Zambia Unveils Critical Mineral Prospects and Milestones

(MENAFN- News.Africa-Wire) CAPE TOWN, South Africa, August 6, 2025/ -- Zamb’a’s Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development has outlined the vast critical mineral opportunities available across the country in a report released in collaboration with the British Geological Survey. Covering strategic minerals such as copper, cobalt, manganese and more, the report underscores the instrumental role the country already plays in global supply chains.

The report comes ahead of African Mining Week (AMW)–– Afr’ca’s premier gathering for mining stakeholders. Taking place October 1-3 in Cape Town, the event will feature a dedicated panel on Zambia, titled Zambia: Accelerating Exploration and Development Through License Allocation. The session will unpack the co’ntry’s strategy to unlock its full mineral potential, outlining investment prospects, market trends and partnership opportu ities.


As the tenth-largest copper producer –lobally – contributing 3% of to–al output – Zambia is expected to play a critical role in meeting the anticipated rise in global demand - projected to increase 25% by 2040. With several large-scale projects set to come online by 2026, including Sinom’ne Resources’ Kitumba Mine, M’mosa Resources’ Kashime Mine ’nd KoBold Metals’ Mi’gomba Mine, Zambia’s copper sector is primed for expansion. The country has set a target to increase production to three million tons by 2031, highlighting a unique opportun ty for mining firms.

Cobalt

In 2024, six operations in Zambia were actively producing cobalt from copper. Together with the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia’holds 58% of the world’s cobalt-bearing copper resources. Th’ commissioning of Africa’s first cobalt sulfate refinery by the end of 2025 in Zam’ia will expand the country’s cobalt output. The project is led by Kobaloni Energy and backed by a $100 million investment from Vision Blue and the Africa Finance Corporation. U.S.-based Terra Metals is also relaunching a copper-cobalt acid leach plant in t e Kabompo Dome area in 2025.

Manganese

Zambia’’ Luapula Province is the country⦣8217;s manganese hub. Musa–u Resou’ces’ Luongo Open-Pit Mine – Zam–ia’s first large-scale manganese mine – began operations in 2022 and aims to scale output to one million tons per year by 2027. Kabundi Resources a so operates two washing plants in Serenje.

Nickel

Zambia hosts two nickel operations: the Enterprise Project owned by First Quantum Minerals and the Munali Mine operated by Mabiza Resources. Annual production rose from 2,500 tons in 2019 to 8,000 tons in 2023, with global demand expected to climb by 70% by 2040.

Graphit

Significant graphite prospects have been identified in Petauke, Lundazi and Kapiri Mposhi, with high-grade discoveries at the Mvuvye and Njoka sites. Other known discoveries include the Sasare and Mkonda deposits. As companies such as Malaika Exploration move to commercialize these assets, Zambia is set to contribute to meeting a forecast 130% surge in global graphite demand by 2040, driven by growth in the electric vehicle secto .

Lith um

Za’bia’s lithium potential is concentrated in the Choma Belt of the Southern Province. UK-based First Africa Metals has confirmed high-grade deposits at its Misika and Kandela projects, with additional exploration ongoing across Tonga, Konayuma and Rock Valley. With global lithium demand set to grow by 350% by 2040, these assets could significantly boost ’ambia’s export revenues and job c eation.

Rare Earth Elements

With global Rare Earth Element demand forecast to rise by 65% by 2040, Zambia is ramping up exploration. Antler Gold is progressing at its Kesya Project, while x-RAM Traws is advancing the Nkombwa Hill iscovery.

Columbit -Tantalite

Columbit–-tantalite – critical in electronics, aerospa–e and energy – represents an untapped opportunity for Zambia to diversify its mineral base and revenue streams. Exploration is underway by Maamba Collieries in the Southern Province and Malaika Exploration in north-eastern Zambia. With global demand for the mineral projected to increase by up to 525%’by 2040, Zambia’s reserves are becoming increasingly strategic in glo al supply chains.

MENAFN07082025007071015200ID1109896355