Supported by political will, robust legislation and increased investment, Zambia’s mining sector is experiencing significant growth, expanding its profile from a traditional mineral producer to being a leader in new and future-facing resources, including cobalt, lithium, manganese and uranium, according to independent eng-ineering and scientific consultancy SRK Consulting.

The Zambian government’s renewed commitment to accelerating copper production and mineral exploration in the country is a significant development for Zambian mining, says SRK Consulting South Africa partner and principal engineering geologist Desmond Mossop.

To further support the industry’s growth, the Zambian Geological Survey Department, along with the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Development, engaged with investors and operators at the thirteenth edition of the Zambian International Mining and Energy Conference (Zimec), held in Kitwe, in March 2026, to facilitate connections to create new partnerships that would benefit all parties.

“In the new ‘gold rush’ for these sought-after resources, it is reassuring that Zambia is demonstrating a strong commitment to promoting responsible investment and partnerships for the sustainable growth of the country’s mining and energy sector,” he says.

Mossop adds that with a transparent mining cadastre in place and positive legislative developments, the Zambian government has demonstrated that “it is taking seriously its role as guardian of the country’s mineral resources and wealth”.

Transformative Steps
As part of its efforts to facilitate growth in its mining industry, the Zambian government introduced the Minerals Regulation Commission Act in 2024 which establishes the Minerals Regulation Commission (MRC) as the central authority for mineral resource management, and the Geological and Minerals Development Act, which aims to enhance the sector through surveying, mapping, exploration and supporting Zambian miners while attracting investment.

Demonstrating the government’s commitment and the pace at which it is advancing its geological mapping agenda, Mossop says high-resolution aerial surveys conducted to support exploration efforts have already covered 60% of Zambia, following a previous coverage of 40% as of October 2025.

Additionally, US-based companies using advanced AI in exploration efforts, as well as improved data from airborne technologies, such as drones, satellites, ground-penetrating radar and seismic technology, have significantly increased the volume and quality of exploration data, he notes.

Meanwhile, aligning with the broader continental push to retain more mineral wealth, Mossop says the Zambian government has been forging partnerships, notably with the Democratic Republic of Congo, to process more raw minerals before export.

Within Zambia, he says the government has also supported the production of copper electric cables and worked with the green energy sector to explore the potential for manufacturing electrical batteries, while localisation legislation has further driven investment in beneficiation projects.

Despite progress in its mining industry, Mossop says Zambia has remained vulnerable to an inconsistent power supply; however, national energy company ZESCO has taken measures to create a more stable system, while mining operators have been encouraged to become more energy independent.

In particular, he points to the Green Copper Accord – between ZESCO, renewable energy solutions provider GreenCo and copper producer First Quantum Minerals – as being a vital arrangement to secure vital energy supplies.

Supporting Zambia Mining
SRK Consulting has strengthened its connections in Zambia with the launch of SRK’s newly established local practice in Zambia, in conjunction with a workshop held on March 24, in Kitwe, as well as sponsoring Zimec.

At the workshop, the consultancy showcased their extensive mining experience to prospective clients and delivered presentations aligned with Zimec’s theme of promoting responsible investment and partnerships to sustainably grow Zambia’s mining and energy sector.