Zambia’s mining sector focuses on the extraction of its abundant copper and uranium resources, along with more limited deposits of gold, nickel, and industrial minerals.
The country currently hosts 104 mining projects, held by seven companies, including several international mining groups. Among them are established operators with active mining activities, as well as investors with interests in specific projects.
Regulatory Authority for Mining in Zambia
Zambia’s mining industry is overseen by the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development (formerly the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Water Development). The MMDA vests key statutory powers in the Director of Mines, the Director of Mine Safety, the Director of Mines Cadastre, and the Director of Geological Survey. The Minister of Mines has appellate and supervisory authority over the actions of these directors. All these departments are based in Lusaka, with the exception of Mine Safety, which is located in Kitwe on the Copperbelt.
Mining Companies Operating in Zambia
- African Energy Resources
- African Pioneer
- Anglo American
- Axmin Inc.
- Barrick Gold Corporation
- Bemetals
- China Nonferrous Metals Corporation (CNMC)
- Consolidated Nickel Mines
- Eurasian Resources Group
- First Quantum Minerals Ltd.
- Glencore Xstrata Plc
- Global Development Company
- Goviex Uranium Inc.
- Jubilee Metals Group
- Konkola Copper Mines Plc (a subsidiary of Vedanta Resources)
- Metorex Limited
- Moxico Resources
- Prospect Resources
- Trek Metals Ltd. (Zambezi Resources Pty Ltd)
- ZCCM Investments Holdings Plc (Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines)
Zambia’s Top Five Capital‑Value Mines and Their Owners
The five highest‑capital‑value projects in Zambia are owned by six mining companies:
Owner: Barrick Gold Corporation
Project: Lumwana Mine
Capital Value: ZAR 13.9 billion
Mineral: Copper
Phase: Operational
Status: Active
Owner: Konkola Copper Mines Plc (subsidiary of Vedanta Resources)
Project: Konkola Mining Complex (Konkola Deep Extension – Shaft No. 4)
Capital Value: ZAR 9.9 billion
Mineral: Copper
Phase: Operational
Status: Active
Owner: Lubambe Copper Mine Limited
Project: Lubambe Copper Mine (Konkola North)
Capital Value: ZAR 4.0 billion
Mineral: Copper
Phase: Operational
Status: Active
Owner: China Nonferrous Metals Corporation (CNMC) & ZCCM Investments Holdings Plc (Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines)
Project: Chambishi Copper Smelter
Capital Value: ZAR 2.3 billion
Mineral: Industrial
Phase: Operational
Status: Active
Owner: First Quantum Minerals
Project: Enterprise Project (Kawako)
Capital Value: ZAR 1.2 billion
Mineral: Nickel
Phase: Operational
Status: Active
Post time: Jun-29-2026
