BHP Advances Plans for Large-Scale Copper Exploration in Zambia
Global mining giant BHP has signalled strong interest in undertaking large-scale copper exploration in Zambia, in a move that reflects growing international confidence in the country’s mineral potential.
Speaking during a high-level meeting in Lusaka, Campbell McCuaig said the company is intensifying efforts to identify major copper deposits that are increasingly difficult to locate using conventional exploration methods.
He explained that many high-value deposits are buried deep underground or concealed beneath geological cover, making them harder to detect through traditional techniques. To address this, BHP is deploying advanced geological technologies and large-scale data analysis to identify “mineral systems” — the geological processes that lead to the formation of significant copper deposits.
Mr McCuaig commended Zambia’s recent progress in improving access to geoscience data, including government-backed airborne geophysical surveys and the digitisation of geological information. He said these developments are key to attracting global investment into the mining sector.
Meanwhile, Hapenga Kabeta, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development, said engagement with BHP aligns with Government’s broader objective of increasing copper production and drawing in major international investors.
Dr Kabeta reaffirmed Government’s commitment to supporting responsible and sustainable investment, noting that collaboration between public institutions, global mining firms and local exploration companies will be critical in unlocking new mineral districts.
He added that Zambia remains one of the world’s most prospective regions for copper, with ongoing reforms aimed at ensuring that the country translates its vast mineral resources into tangible economic benefits.
The Government is prioritising early-stage exploration, improved access to geological data and greater participation of local companies in global mining initiatives as part of efforts to strengthen the sector.
Discussions also focused on aligning Zambia’s mining sector with modern global exploration strategies, particularly the use of advanced geoscience tools and a mineral systems approach to identify deeply buried copper deposits.
BHP, the world’s largest mining company by market capitalisation, is expected to play a key role in advancing exploration efforts, potentially opening up new opportunities for investment and growth within Zambia’s mining industry.
