The Zambia Country Showcase at the Investing in African Mining Indaba 2026 in Cape Town highlighted a nation that is not just a mining powerhouse but a burgeoning hub for regional logistics and sustainable energy. With the resonant theme that “Zambia’s doors are open,” the showcase detailed how the country is leveraging its rich mineral heritage to drive a diversified and resilient economy.
Three Decades of Partnership: First Quantum Minerals in Zambia
A cornerstone of the presentation was the celebration of First Quantum Minerals (FQM), which has been operating in Zambia for 30 years. Since the start of the Bwana Mkubwa Mine in 1996, FQM has expanded into a massive operational footprint, including:
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Kansanshi Copper Mine (2005): An open-cast mine utilizing an ultra-class fleet and a 1.65mtpa copper smelter.
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Sentinel Copper Mine (2015): Home to a 65mtpa copper concentrator.
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Enterprise Nickel Mine (2022): A recent addition to the portfolio, focusing on the critical minerals needed for the global energy transition.
For 2026, production guidance remains ambitious, with copper targets between 365,000 and 425,000 tonnes, gold up to 120,000 oz, and nickel reaching up to 40,000 tonnes.
Building Stronger Foundations through Innovation
Zambia’s mining sector is undergoing a technological revolution. To combat the challenges of increasing haulage distances and GHG emissions, the industry is focusing on:
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Automation: Utilizing autonomous drills to increase operator safety and precision.
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Electrification: Deploying electric mining fleets, including excavators and trucks, to lower costs and emissions.
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Social & Environmental Stewardship: FQM highlighted a $1.8 billion spend in Zambian supply chains in 2024 and the protection of 1.2 million hectares in the West Lunga Ecosystem.
Powering Growth: Business Opportunities in the Power Sector
A major takeaway for investors was the vast potential in the Zambian power sector. The government and private partners are prioritizing a resilient energy mix and grid stability. This includes:
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Trolley-assist lines: Over 10km of lines implemented to save 140,000 tonnes of $CO_2$ annually through pit electrification.
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Infrastructure Partnerships: The Mutanda-Kaoma Road PPP, a 371km project, will link key mining corridors to the Walvis Bay port in Namibia, drastically reducing transportation charges and driving development in Zambia’s Western Province.
Beyond Mining: A Diversified Economy
While mining is a critical pillar, the showcase emphasized that it contributes less than 15% to the national GDP, signaling a robustly diversified economy. The government is actively seeking investment in:
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Agriculture & Agro-Processing
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Manufacturing & Value-Addition
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Financial Services & ICT
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Tourism and the Creative Economy
Zambia’s message is clear: the foundation is strong, the regulatory environment is stable, and the opportunities for partnership across energy, logistics, and mining are vast.