Stronger collaboration across Zambia’s mining ecosystem will be central to unlocking the country’s copper and critical-minerals growth ambitions, says Zambia Chamber of Mines (ZCM) CEO Sokwani Chilembo ahead of this year’s Investing in African Mining Indaba.

Zambia’s mining industry is driving a partnership-led agenda to drive sustainable growth, and the ZCM will use the Mining Indaba platform to deepen dialogue to promote the country’s mining prospects, he notes.

Representatives from the ZCM are set to attend the Mining Indaba.

Chilembo says Zambia has set ambitious targets for its copper and critical-minerals sectors.

“The ZCM will continue to support growth goals by taking full advantage of the government’s open-door policy on regulatory improvements. This will help deliver a level playing field and an investment environment that makes Zambia compelling and low risk.”

Chilembo says the ZCM has long championed a mining ethic that strengthens host communities, from exploration to closure, which ties in well with the Indaba’s theme of promoting inclusive partnerships.

“We have advocated for local-content legislation that emphasises host community job creation. Licence holders must show progress in building supplier development programmes that link mines and processors with banks and business developers.”

He adds that mining companies of all sizes can participate or outsource support to help local suppliers gain working capital and skills over a two-year period. This timeframe refers to the duration of participation in the United Nations Development Programme-supported supplier development programme, during which firms receive business support and access to working capital.

“Over time, mines, processors, local businesses and banks will build secure jobs, broaden local services and make the industry more competitive,” says Chilembo.

Mine Operationality

Regarding sustainability, technology and mine-life extension, Chilembo highlights the role of multi-stakeholder partnerships in advancing responsible mining, as innovation in ore extraction and processing assisted in opening Zambia’s copper and cobalt resources in the 2000s.

“Meeting the current critical minerals cycle will require replicating that success across new commodities and geologies while lowering environmental, social and governance footprints.”

Chilembo notes the chamber’s support for local universities in developing centres of excellence, including collaboration with universities to build mining technology and innovation capabilities aligned with industry needs.

The ZCM is also involved in shaping predictable policy frameworks that attract investment.

“Thought leadership through media, research and partnerships, such as those with Mining Finland and Mining Canada, helps [to] inform stakeholders on sector dynamics,” he says, adding that the ZCM interacts year-round with investors, mining majors and juniors, academia and entrepreneurs, often in collaboration with government bodies such as the Zambia Development Agency.

On dialogue platforms, the 83-year-old ZCM co-chairs a quarterly technical working group (TWG) with the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development.

“The TWG, supported by a public–private dialogue forum, fosters consensus on regulatory issues. Smaller subgroups tackle technical or complex matters.”

Chilembo also points to the chamber’s participation in research on local content, mineral regulation and artisanal mining, which resulted in evidence-based inputs into mining policy strategy and regulatory framework development.

Considering global energy transition trends, he says the ZCM aligns its advocacy with global industry leadership organisation the ICMM, and long-term strategic framework the Africa Mining Vision.

“At forums, such as the Indaba, we encourage value-addition in battery chemicals and other products. This strategy builds capital for exploration and mine development,” concludes Chilembo.