The Zambian Government has commended the Chinese Government for its continued investment in the country’s mining sector, saying the partnerships are helping increase mineral production, expand processing capacity and support economic development. The Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development said Chinese-backed mining projects were contributing to the growth of the industry and creating opportunities to extract greater value from Zambia’s mineral resources. Speaking during a press briefing at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka, Permanent Secretary Dr. Hapenga Kabeta highlighted the importance of international investment in advancing the country’s mining ambitions. He also linked these investments to President Hakainde Hichilema’s commitment to developing all provinces during his second term through a regional economic development strategy. The Government’s stated objective is to ensure that mining activities contribute to wider economic progress, increase local participation and unlock opportunities across the country.
Dr. Kabeta said the regional economic development strategy was intended to identify and unlock the economic potential of each province. While mining remains a major source of economic activity in several parts of Zambia, the Government wants investment to support broader development beyond established mining centres. This approach seeks to connect mineral production with employment, infrastructure development, local businesses and opportunities for communities. By encouraging investment across different regions, the Government aims to make economic growth more geographically inclusive. The strategy also places importance on ensuring that natural resources contribute to long-term national development rather than benefiting only a limited number of locations or businesses.
The Permanent Secretary highlighted several Chinese-backed mining investments on the Copperbelt, including Shaft 28 in Luanshya, developments in Chambishi and the operations of Non-Ferrous China Africa Mining Company, commonly known as NFCA. These projects form part of the wider mining activity that has helped establish the Copperbelt as a major centre for copper production in Zambia. Continued investment in mining operations can support production capacity, create demand for technical services and generate business opportunities for suppliers. Mining projects also require transport, equipment maintenance, engineering, energy and other supporting services, creating links with businesses beyond the mine sites themselves. The extent of these benefits depends on factors such as production performance, employment practices, procurement arrangements and the strength of connections between mining companies and local enterprises.
Dr. Kabeta also singled out the Chambishi Copper Smelter as an important facility in Zambia’s mineral processing industry. Smelting allows copper concentrates to be processed into higher-value products, reducing the need to export all mineral output in its less processed form. Investment in smelting and related infrastructure can help expand the country’s capacity to capture more value from its mineral resources. It can also support demand for skilled workers, technical services and industrial inputs required to operate processing facilities. However, the wider benefits depend on reliable electricity supplies, efficient transport, competitive operating costs and responsible environmental management. Strengthening local mineral processing remains an important consideration as Zambia seeks to increase the contribution of mining to its economy.
The Government also pointed to developments at Kitumba Mine in Mumbwa District, where the project had recently produced its first copper concentrate. The development represents progress in bringing the mining project into production and adds to the range of opportunities emerging within Zambia’s copper industry. Copper concentrate is an intermediate product that contains copper and requires further processing before the metal can be used in many industrial applications. Its production can mark an important stage in a mine’s development, although the longer-term contribution depends on the project’s ability to sustain operations and reach its planned production levels. Developments such as Kitumba demonstrate the potential for mining investment to extend beyond traditional centres and contribute to economic activity in other districts.
Zambia’s mining sector plays an important role in the country’s economy through mineral production, export earnings, employment and demand for supporting industries. Copper remains central to the sector, while the development of processing facilities creates opportunities to expand domestic industrial activity. As global demand for copper continues to be influenced by electricity networks, renewable energy systems, electric vehicles and other technologies, Zambia has an opportunity to strengthen its position as a producer of the metal. However, the benefits are not automatic and depend on investment conditions, infrastructure, production costs, market prices and the ability to maintain reliable operations. The Government’s emphasis on continued investment and value addition reflects its aim to translate mineral wealth into broader economic benefits.
Dr. Kabeta expressed appreciation to the Chinese Government for its continued cooperation and investment, while emphasising that international partnerships should align with Zambia’s national interests and development priorities. Such partnerships can provide capital, technical expertise, equipment and access to industrial capabilities needed to develop mining projects. For Zambia, the challenge is to ensure that these contributions support sustainable production, expand local business participation and build skills among Zambian workers. Strong cooperation between Government and investors can also help address operational challenges and support the development of processing infrastructure. At the same time, clear regulations, responsible business practices and effective oversight are important to ensuring that investment delivers lasting benefits to the country.
The Permanent Secretary stressed that Zambia must maximise the benefits of its mineral wealth through increased investment, local participation and greater value addition. Local participation includes opportunities for Zambian workers, contractors, suppliers and businesses to take part in mining-related economic activity. When mining companies purchase suitable goods and services locally, they can help support domestic enterprises and strengthen supply chains. Skills development and technical training can also improve the ability of Zambians to access specialised employment and establish businesses serving the industry. These outcomes require sustained cooperation between mining companies, training institutions, government agencies and local businesses, as well as practical measures that help domestic suppliers meet industry standards.
The regional economic development strategy is expected to support the Government’s broader ambition to unlock economic opportunities across Zambia’s provinces. Mining investment can contribute to this objective when projects generate local employment, purchase goods and services from nearby businesses and support infrastructure that benefits surrounding communities. However, regional development requires more than mineral extraction alone. Roads, electricity, water supply, transport services and other essential infrastructure are needed to support mining operations and help communities participate in economic activity. Coordinating investment with provincial development priorities could therefore help strengthen links between mining projects and other sectors of the economy, including manufacturing, transport and agriculture.
Sustainable development will also depend on how mining operations manage their environmental and social responsibilities. Mineral extraction and processing can place pressure on water resources, land and local infrastructure if companies do not apply appropriate safeguards. Responsible operations require effective waste management, pollution controls, worker safety measures and compliance with environmental standards. Strong oversight can help protect communities while supporting an investment environment in which companies understand their obligations. Balancing production growth with responsible resource management will be important as Zambia expands its mining industry and seeks to attract further international investment.
The Government’s recognition of Chinese investment highlights the continuing role of international partnerships in Zambia’s mining development. Projects in Luanshya, Chambishi and Mumbwa illustrate the range of mining and processing activities that can contribute to the sector’s expansion. Dr. Kabeta’s remarks also underline the Government’s intention to link investment with regional economic development, increased local participation and greater value addition. The success of this approach will depend on whether mining projects sustain production, create meaningful economic opportunities and support development beyond their immediate operations. As Zambia pursues its wider economic ambitions, the priority will be to ensure that its mineral resources generate lasting benefits for businesses, workers and communities across all provinces.