Cape Town – Zambia launched a series of strategic initiatives in 2025, accelerating copper drilling and achieving its target of producing 3.1 million tonnes per year by 2031.
In February 2025, the country introduced Zambia Integrated Mining Information Systems (www.mmmd.gov.zm), a digital platform designed to increase efficiency and transparency in mining license management.
The system is expected to streamline the approval process and help Zambia attract more investors and faster exploration.
In line with Zambia's efforts to enhance copper exploration, the African Mining Wee Conference and Exhibition, held in Cape Town from October 1-3, will provide a platform to showcase favorable investment opportunities within the country's upstream industry.
Government Programs
To create a more facilitating environment for copper drilling, Zambia has implemented several government-led initiatives.
In February 2025, the country announced its non-compliance monitoring project, seizing over 1,000 mining licenses (apo-opa.co/4j7kjrc) in 2024 alone.
These licenses are now being reassigned to new investors who will help accelerate exploration efforts and meet their 2031 production targets. Zambia also recorded a 79% increase in mining licenses granted in 2024 compared to 2023, according to the Ministry of Mining and Mineral Development.
The government is working with Finland's geological survey to conduct a national high-resolution aerophysical survey to map mineral resources and open new exploration basins.
Additionally, the government has established Zambia Mineral Investment Corporation Limited, a special purpose vehicle to promote joint venture investment in exploration, production and mineral processing.
On January 16, 2025, the country signed a cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia, promoting investment in human capital development, technology transfer, copper research and production.
The government has also played a key role in unlocking new opportunities for exploration in the resumption of previous inert mining operations, such as Mopani and Koncola copper mines.
Private Sector Contribution
Private sector players are also contributing to Zambia's copper drilling expansion agenda.
In January 2025, Barrick Gold (apo-opa.co/3fsagrr) announced plans to continue drilling in Lumwana, taking advantage of a new exploration license in northern Zambia and as part of Zambia's commitment to production targets for 2031.
While the UK-based Jubilee Metals Group (apo-opa.co/4lch5zh) is implementing several drilling projects to support growth at the Roan and Sable refinery sites, Handa Resources (apo-opa.co/3yfapva) has launched a joint venture between Arc Minerals and Anglo-Americans.
As Africa's leading mining investment platform, Africa Mining Week brings together key stakeholders, government officials and global investors to discuss and optimize opportunities in Zambia's copper exploration and production industry.
