Lusaka: Zambia'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, and manganese, the report underscores the instrumental role the country already plays in global supply chains.
According to African Press Organization, the report comes ahead of African Mining Week (AMW) - Africa'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 detail the country's strategy to unlock its full mineral potential, outlining investment prospects, market trends, and partnership opportunities.
Zambia's Luapula Province is the country's manganese hub. Musamu Resources' Luongo Open-Pit Mine, Zambia'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 also operates two washing plants in Serenje.
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.
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 sector.
Zambia'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 Zambia's export revenues and job creation.
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 discovery.
Columbite-tantalite, critical in electronics, aerospace, 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 northeastern Zambia. With global demand for the mineral projected to increase by up to 525% by 2040, Zambia's reserves are becoming increasingly strategic in global supply chains.
