Minister of Mines and Minerals Development, Paul Kabuswe, has reported that Zambia produced approximately 1,401 tonnes of cobalt between 2019 and 2024. During the same period, the country exported around 1,876.7 tonnes of the metal, reflecting significant international demand. The Minister provided these figures in response to a question from Chilubi MP Mulenga Fube during a National Assembly session on Tuesday. The inquiry sought detailed information on the annual production and export tonnage of cobalt, a critical mineral for global battery and electronics industries. Kabuswe explained that the lower production levels were primarily due to underperformance in copper mining, which directly affects cobalt output because cobalt is typically extracted as a by-product of copper processing.
Breaking down the production figures year by year, Zambia produced 367 tonnes of cobalt in 2019, followed by 221 tonnes in 2020. Production increased slightly to 240 tonnes in 2021 and 251 tonnes in 2022 before declining to 226 tonnes in 2023. Although the specific figure for 2024 was not detailed, the cumulative output for the six-year period totaled 1,401 tonnes. The export figures exceeded domestic production, reaching 1,876.7 tonnes, which indicates that Zambia relied partly on stockpiled reserves or previous production to meet international market demand. Minister Kabuswe emphasized that improving cobalt output requires enhancing the performance of copper mines, which remains the primary driver of cobalt availability in the country.
The Minister highlighted the strategic importance of cobalt for Zambia’s mining sector and the wider economy. Cobalt is a key input in electric vehicle batteries, renewable energy storage systems, and electronics manufacturing, making it a valuable export commodity. The discrepancy between production and exports reflects both strong global demand and the need to optimize mining efficiency. Kabuswe noted that efforts are underway to strengthen operational capacity in copper mines, including investment in modern processing techniques, improved management practices, and targeted infrastructure upgrades. These initiatives aim to stabilize and increase cobalt production while maintaining quality standards for international buyers.
Zambia’s cobalt sector also faces challenges related to global market fluctuations and production costs. Low historical output has affected the country’s ability to fully capitalize on rising cobalt prices, highlighting the need for strategic planning and investment in both mining and downstream processing. The government is actively exploring policies to encourage investment, technology transfer, and value addition within the sector. These measures are designed to ensure that cobalt production not only meets export targets but also contributes to domestic economic growth, job creation, and industrial development. Enhanced regulatory frameworks and sustainable mining practices are central to achieving these objectives while protecting environmental and social standards.
Zambia’s cobalt production from 2019 to 2024 totaled 1,401 tonnes, with exports reaching 1,876.7 tonnes, reflecting strong external demand despite challenges in mining performance. Minister Paul Kabuswe attributed the production shortfall to the low performance of copper mines, which directly affects cobalt output. The government is prioritizing measures to improve mine efficiency, attract investment, and expand value addition, ensuring that Zambia can meet both domestic and international demand. Strengthening the cobalt sector is critical for economic diversification, industrial growth, and positioning Zambia as a reliable supplier in the global mineral market. Continued focus on operational efficiency and strategic planning is expected to enhance the country’s competitiveness and long-term sustainable production.