The World Bank has called on Zambia to intensify production of energy transition metals (ETMs) to unlock greater economic growth following a nearly 30 percent year-on-year surge in copper output in the first quarter of 2025.
In its latest economic update, the Bank noted Zambia’s strong four percent gross domestic product growth in 2024, driven largely by a rebound in mining.
It said scaling up ETM production – particularly copper, cobalt and manganese – could further accelerate growth, enhance fiscal sustainability and expand value-added opportunities across the mineral value chain.
Zambia has set an ambitious target to triple annual copper production to three million tonnes by 2031, with output already rising from 173,000 to 224,000 metric tonnes between the first quarter of 2024 and the corresponding period in 2025.
Flagship projects include the Kashime copper mine led by Mimosa Resources, the relaunch of Konkola by Vedanta Resources and the revival of Mopani under International Resources Holding.
To support exploration, the government is conducting a nationwide geo-mapping campaign, now 80 percent complete, and has launched the Zambia Integrated Mining Information System (ZIMIS) to improve transparency and track local content and tax contributions.
The ZIMIS is a digital platform to track mining company activities, monitor local content and tax contributions and provide public access to data on mineral prospects.
The World Bank also urged reforms in revenue management and institutional governance.
In response, Zambia’s Ministry of Mines is operationalising the Minerals Regulation Commission and restructuring departments to focus on geological surveys, artisanal mining and large-scale investment promotion.
Efforts to boost local participation include plans to establish mineral market centres and washing plants in Mumbwa, Rufunsa, Chisamba and Kasempa, alongside a national training programme for artisanal miners.
Zambia’s mining strategy will be showcased at African Mining Week 2025 to be held from 1-3 October in South Africa’s Cape Town.
The country spotlight session, titled “Zambia: Accelerating Exploration and Development Through License Allocation,” is expected to connect investors with emerging opportunities across the ETM sector.
JN/APA