India has sent a team of government geologists to Zambia to explore rich deposits of copper and cobalt, two minerals essential to its energy transition and rapidly growing technology sector, according to senior Indian officials.
The Zambian government has granted India access to over 9,000 square kilometers (around 3,475 square miles) of land for the exploration effort, marking a significant step in strengthening India–Africa mineral partnerships.
🔍 Focus on Cobalt and Copper
The spotlight of the initiative is on cobalt, a key material used in electric vehicle batteries, mobile phones, and other electronics. Copper, equally critical, is in high demand for power infrastructure, renewable energy systems, and construction.
The project, which will span three years, will involve repeated field visits to Zambia and sample analysis conducted primarily in Indian laboratories, officials confirmed.
🛠️ From Exploration to Extraction
Should the findings confirm commercially viable reserves, the Indian government plans to apply for a mining lease in Zambia. There are also ongoing discussions about inviting Indian private-sector companies to help develop and operate potential mining sites.
The Ministry of Mines in New Delhi has yet to issue a formal statement on the development.
🌍 India’s Global Mineral Strategy
This move is part of India’s broader push to secure critical minerals through government-to-government cooperation, particularly across Africa, Latin America, and Australia.
Earlier this year, India began negotiating a supply agreement with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)—another cobalt-rich nation. In June, an Indian delegation attended a mining conference in Kinshasa and toured mining operations, according to a post by the Ministry of Mines on X (formerly Twitter).
India is actively working to diversify supply chains and reduce reliance on global mineral markets that have become increasingly volatile due to geopolitical tensions and rising demand for green technologies.
📊 Domestic Demand Surges
India’s demand for copper has grown sharply since the closure of the Sterlite copper smelter in 2018. In the fiscal year ending March 2025, copper imports hit 1.2 million metric tons—a 4% rise year-on-year.
Likewise, cobalt imports are climbing. Government data shows a 20% increase in cobalt oxide imports in FY 2024–25, totaling 693 metric tons.
🤝 Africa–India Mining Ties Strengthen
India’s mineral diplomacy in Zambia underscores a growing trend: African countries are becoming strategic partners for nations looking to secure future-proof supply chains for clean energy and technology.
As exploration unfolds, Zambia stands to benefit not only from investment and job creation but also from infrastructure upgrades, technology transfer, and deeper engagement in global clean energy value chains.
