The Mines Ministry has proposed sending an Indian industry delegation to copper-rich Zambia to discuss potential copper exploration and mining projects in the southern African country.
Mining companies including Vedanta and its subsidiary Hindustan Zinc, along with electric vehicle (EV) maker Ola Electric and lithium-ion battery recycler LOHUM, have expressed interest in joining the delegation to Zambia to attend a joint working group (JWG) meeting to discuss cooperation in the field of mineral resources.
As per International Copper Association India, domestic copper demand grew by 16 per cent in FY23, while demand for copper in clean energy technologies grew by 32 per cent. Zambia has about six per cent of the world’s copper reserves and was the eighth largest producer of copper in 2022.
Copper is widely used in sectors like construction, consumer durables, transportation, and industrial manufacturing. It is also used in clean energy technologies including solar panels, EVs, and energy efficient motors. China Nonferrous Mining Corporation (CNMC) is among the largest producers of copper in Zambia.
Aruna Gaitonde, Editor in Chief of the Asian Bureau, Rough & Polished
