ZCCM-IH to Establish Manganese Buying Centres in Luapula to Strengthen Zambia’s Mineral Value Chain
ZCCM-IH to Open Manganese Buying Centres in Luapula Province to Boost Formal Trade and Local Value Creation
ZCCM Investments Holdings Plc (ZCCM-IH) has announced plans to establish manganese buying centres in Luapula Province as part of a broader strategy to improve transparency, efficiency, and value creation in Zambia’s mining sector.
The initiative is designed to enable small-scale miners to sell their manganese through a formal, structured process. The buying centres will serve as collection and aggregation points, helping miners access fair market prices while ensuring that production meets national and international standards.
The centres are expected to promote better organisation, traceability, and transparency in the manganese trade. They will also help to consolidate production for export, creating a more predictable and efficient supply chain that benefits both miners and the wider economy.
Formalising the Manganese Sector
Luapula Province has emerged as a significant hub for manganese mining, with many small-scale miners contributing to local output. However, limited formal trading structures have often led to price distortions, smuggling, and revenue loss.
The establishment of buying centres aims to address these challenges by streamlining sales channels, ensuring miners receive timely payments, and promoting compliance with government regulations.
The centres will also help improve data collection and reporting within the sector, supporting more informed policy and investment decisions.
Building on Experience from the Gold Sector
ZCCM-IH’s experience in formalising the gold trade through similar buying centres has demonstrated the effectiveness of structured mineral trading systems.
These initiatives have enhanced accountability, improved earnings for small-scale miners, and curbed informal trading practices.
The company now plans to apply the same model to the manganese sector and other minerals, reinforcing Zambia’s efforts to build a more transparent and sustainable mining industry.
Driving Local Value Creation and Exports
The new centres are expected to create local jobs in logistics, mineral grading, and transportation while stimulating economic growth in mining communities.
By consolidating production through ZCCM-IH, Zambia will be able to secure better export terms, attract processing investments, and boost foreign exchange earnings.
As global demand for manganese continues to rise, particularly in steel manufacturing and electric vehicle batteries, Zambia is positioning itself to capture greater value from its resources through structured trade, local beneficiation, and responsible mining practices.
