Zambia Launches Ambitious Copper and Critical Minerals Strategies to Boost Economic Growth
The Zambian government has unveiled two pivotal strategies aimed at transforming the mining sector and driving economic growth. The Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development has launched the National Three (3) Million Metric Tonnes Copper Production Strategy by 2031 and the National Critical Minerals Strategy (2024-2028), signaling a major push towards increased copper production and the development of critical minerals.
The Copper Production Strategy is designed to significantly boost Zambia’s annual copper output to an unprecedented 3 million metric tonnes by 2031. This ambitious plan is expected to not only elevate Zambia’s standing in the global copper market but also contribute to job creation, innovation, and sustainable economic transformation.
Minister of Mines, Hon. Paul Kabuswe, emphasized that the strategy goes beyond economic goals, embodying the government’s commitment to sustainable, ecologically, and environmentally sound mining practices.
The strategy outlines eight specific objectives, including creating an enabling environment for copper production, monitoring greenfield and brownfield projects, and facilitating the exploitation of mineralized tailings and slag dumps.
Other key objectives include developing the artisanal and small-scale mining sector, improving regulation and transparency in the mineral value chain, conducting high-resolution aerial geophysical surveys, promoting investment in mining, and advancing research and development in mining technologies.
The strategy also prioritizes re-engineering mining operations to optimize production, promote transparency, and manage waste disposal, all while minimizing the ecological footprint.
Technological innovation, skill development, infrastructure improvement, and global cooperation are also central to the strategy’s success.
In addition to the Copper Production Strategy, the government launched the National Critical Minerals Strategy, which aims to increase Zambia’s participation in the mining sector and ensure maximum benefits for its citizens.
This strategy focuses on advancing geological mapping and mineral resource exploration for critical minerals, including rare Earth Elements, Graphite, Nickel, and Lithium.
Minister Kabuswe highlighted that the strategy includes measures to adopt and adapt to technological advancements in mineral development, such as artificial intelligence and robotics, further positioning Zambia as a key player in the global minerals market.
