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President Hakainde Hichilema has issued a strong call to action for mining companies in Zambia, emphasizing the importance of utilizing mineral licenses effectively to foster national economic growth and job creation. Speaking at the 2026 Zambia Mining and Investment Insaka in Lusaka, President Hichilema highlighted his administration’s commitment to a “use it or lose it” policy to ensure that Zambia’s mineral wealth is leveraged for the benefit of its people.
President Hichilema outlined Zambia’s ambitious goal of producing three million metric tonnes of copper annually. He stressed that this target could be met by revitalizing stalled mining projects, expanding current operations, and increasing exploration efforts across the country. The revival of key projects such as the Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) and the Konkola Deep Mining Project (KDMP) is expected to contribute significantly, with stakeholders agreeing that KCM alone should supply 300,000 tonnes towards the national production target.
The President urged mining companies to enhance their impact on local communities by moving beyond traditional corporate social responsibility initiatives. He advocated for employment, skills development, and local business contracts as more sustainable methods of contributing to community welfare. Citing Lumwana Mine and the Kansanshi Mine’s S3 expansion, President Hichilema highlighted successful examples where local contractors and young people are actively involved in mining operations, manufacturing, and supply chains.
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To further attract investment and mitigate exploration risks, the Zambian government has invested nearly US$100 million in a nationwide, high-resolution geophysical mapping survey. This survey covers Zambia’s expansive 752,000 square kilometers, providing valuable data to support mineral exploration.
President Hichilema also called for enhanced regional cooperation among Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Botswana. He advocated for cross-border joint ventures and harmonized standards in critical minerals and energy sectors. Reliable electricity generation, shared transmission infrastructure, and an open-access energy market were identified as vital components for supporting deep-level mining and mineral beneficiation, which promise to add value to minerals prior to export.
Perspectives from regional leaders
- Botswana’s Vision: Representing Botswana, Minister of Minerals and Energy Bogolo Joy Kenewendo emphasized the need for African countries to transition from exporting raw minerals to investing in local processing and manufacturing. This shift aims to retain more economic value on the continent and promote industrialization and job creation.
- Democratic Republic of Congo’s Approach: DRC Minister of Mines Louis Watum Kabamba underscored the shared copperbelt between Zambia and the DRC, highlighting the potential for complementary industrial development. He advocated for investment in rail infrastructure to alleviate border congestion and called for enhanced cooperation in geological research and efforts to curb illicit mineral trade.
The 2026 Zambia Mining and Investment Insaka has set the stage for a collaborative and strategic approach to mining and economic development in Zambia and the broader Southern African region. By enforcing responsible use of mineral licenses and fostering regional partnerships, Zambia aims to elevate its position as a leading player in the global mining industry while ensuring sustainable benefits for its citizens.
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