Zambia’s Mineral Development Strategy Aims for Green Energy Opportunities
Zambia’s Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development is charting a new course to capitalize on global shifts toward electric batteries and green energy.
Spearheaded by Permanent Secretary Hapenga Kabeta, the ministry has crafted a visionary draft of a critical minerals strategy aimed at seizing emerging opportunities in the electric battery and sustainable energy sectors.
Kabeta emphasized that the ministry is actively engaging stakeholders to refine and enhance the strategy, seeking their valuable input to shape a robust plan aligned with Zambia’s mineral potential.
Central to this strategy is the government’s commitment to form strategic alliances, leveraging the nation’s essential mineral resources for mutual benefit.
Kabeta highlighted the intent to facilitate these partnerships, emphasizing the need for effective collaborations to harness the full potential of Zambia’s vital minerals.
Looking ahead, the Ministry is poised to conduct high-resolution geographical surveys across key regions in North Western, Southern, Western, and Central Provinces in 2024.
These surveys aim to deepen understanding and uncover untapped mineral resources that can bolster Zambia’s position in the global minerals market.
Speaking during a recent stakeholders’ consultative meeting held in Lusaka on December 19th, Dr. KABETA outlined the ambitious goal of achieving an annual copper production of three million metric tonnes by 2031.
The meeting served as a platform to gather insights and perspectives, crucial for refining the draft strategy and aligning it with industry needs and aspirations.
The commitment to actualizing this goal was underscored by SYDNEY MWAMBA, the Executive Director of the Policy Monitoring and Research Center (PMRC).
MWAMBA emphasized the significance of this consultative meeting, signaling the government’s dedication to elevating Zambia’s copper production.
The collective effort reflects Zambia’s ambition to thrive in the global copper market, capitalizing on its vast mineral reserves.
This concerted effort by the Ministry and stakeholders signals a forward-looking approach, aiming not only to meet but to surpass production targets while positioning Zambia as a key player in the evolving landscape of green energy minerals.
