india-to-send-delegation-for-copper-mining-opportunities-in-zambia

In a bid to explore potential copper mining and exploration projects in Zambia, the Ministry of Mines in India has proposed sending a delegation to the copper-rich African country.

Zambia, boasts approximately 6% of the world's copper reserves, ranked as the eighth-largest copper producer globally in 2022.

The metal holds significant importance across various industries, including construction, consumer durables, transportation, and industrial manufacturing. Additionally, copper plays a crucial role in clean energy technologies, such as solar panels, electric vehicles (EVs), and energy-efficient motors.

During a stakeholder meeting held on October 18, VL Kantha Rao, the Secretary of the Ministry of Mines, revealed plans for the second meeting of the Joint Working Group (JWG).

This group was established under a memorandum of understanding signed by the Ministry of Mines in India and the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Development in Zambia.

Rao emphasized the ministry's intent to send a comprehensive business delegation to Zambia, involving both private and public sectors, to ensure a fruitful collaboration between the two nations.

Furthermore, Khanij Bidesh India (KABIL), a central public sector enterprise (CPSE) operating under the Mines Ministry and tasked with acquiring and developing critical mineral projects overseas, proposed the idea of a video conferencing meeting with their Zambian counterparts. This virtual meeting aims to delve into opportunities following the expressed interest from industry stakeholders.

Neither the Ministry of Mines nor KABIL responded to inquiries about whether industry stakeholders have submitted proposals following the October meeting. Additionally, there is no confirmation as to whether a meeting with the Zambian side has been arranged up to this point.

As both nations seek to strengthen ties in the mining sector, this proposed delegation and collaborative effort could mark a significant step towards harnessing Zambia's abundant copper resources for mutual economic benefit.

The outcome of these discussions has the potential to shape the trajectory of copper exploration and mining projects between India and Zambia in the coming years, officials affirmed.