Zambia is moving forward with plans to tap into alternative hydropower sources along the Zambezi River as part of a broader strategy to support the growing energy needs of its mining industry.
At the Critical Minerals Africa 2024 summit, Sokwani William Chilembo, CEO of the Zambia Chamber of Mines, highlighted that hydropower development in Zambia’s Northern Watershed is a priority due to its resilience against droughts and El Niño effects.
“By focusing on hydropower in these areas, we can complement it with coal from Lake Kariba’s southern region and additional solar energy,” Chilembo stated.
He added that the Chamber is collaborating closely with the Zambian government and private sector partners through the Public-Private Dialogue Forum to bolster regional energy trade through the Southern African Power Pool. “We’re working with a major South African energy trader. Although the learning process has been challenging, we’re on track to optimize our energy infrastructure to meet the government’s goal of producing 3 million tons of copper annually by the early 2030s,” he said.
Chilembo also pointed to new legislative proposals designed to give independent power producers a more active role in supporting mining’s energy needs.
“With a reliable energy supply and updated legislation, we can maintain competitiveness and attract sustained mining investment,” he noted, emphasizing that stable energy for mining is crucial for economic growth and funding critical infrastructure.
Currently, Zambia and Zimbabwe are facing power shortages as reduced water levels in the Zambezi River limit generation capacity at major hydropower stations, impacting mining operations.
By developing alternative hydropower sources, Zambia aims to ease dependence on existing facilities and enhance energy security to support mining expansion.
