The Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development has welcomed Hunan Province of China’s interest in investing in Zambia’s mining sector, expressing optimism that the proposed partnership will strengthen bilateral cooperation in mineral exploration, geological research, mining technology and mineral processing.
Permanent Secretary Dr Hapenga Kabeta said Zambia’s target of producing three million metric tonnes of copper annually by 2031 would require strategic partnerships with credible investors capable of boosting production, facilitating technology transfer and promoting local value addition.
Speaking during a meeting with a delegation from the Department of Natural Resources of Hunan Province, led by Deputy Director-General Li Linshan, Dr Kabeta encouraged both sides to identify mutually beneficial investment opportunities that would contribute to Zambia’s economic growth and development.
Dr Kabeta welcomed proposed cooperation in geological mapping, mineral exploration, remote sensing and geological research, noting that the partnership could strengthen the technical capacity of the Geological Survey Department, particularly in mineral resource evaluation and sample analysis.
He also expressed interest in collaboration in artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM), particularly in technical training, appropriate mining equipment, improved mineral recovery and occupational safety. He said remote sensing technology could help identify illegal mining hotspots and promote responsible mining practices.
Dr Kabeta proposed developing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to guide cooperation with the Geological Survey Department, with a possible separate agreement to provide a framework for collaboration in ASM.
He emphasised the importance of complying with Zambia’s mining laws and regulations, noting that the Minerals Regulation Commission (MRC) was responsible for regulating mining activities, including administering mining licences and monitoring compliance. He urged prospective investors to pursue opportunities through official government channels and operate within the law.
Mr Li said the visit provided an opportunity to identify viable investment prospects and establish stronger institutional partnerships between Hunan Province and Zambia.
He said China and Zambia had maintained longstanding relations based on mutual respect and mutually beneficial cooperation, adding that mining remained an important pillar of the two countries’ relationship.
Mr Li noted that Zambia’s mineral resources, including copper, gold, cobalt, magnesium and lithium, presented opportunities for investment, job creation, technology transfer and economic growth.
He said Hunan Province was interested in understanding the Zambian Government’s mining priorities and identifying suitable projects in collaboration with relevant government institutions. He added that the delegation would encourage capable and qualified Chinese companies, including state-owned enterprises, to explore viable investment opportunities in Zambia.
On geological cooperation, Mr Li said collaboration with the Geological Survey Department would enable experts from both sides to exchange technical knowledge, assess available geological information and identify areas requiring further investigation.
He also acknowledged the contribution of artisanal and small-scale mining to local livelihoods and economic activity, expressing interest in cooperation to improve technical skills, introduce appropriate equipment, enhance mineral recovery and promote safer mining practices.
Mr Li reaffirmed the delegation’s commitment to working with the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development to identify practical areas of cooperation and promote sustainable investment in Zambia’s mining sector.
The proposed partnership could provide a platform for combining Zambia’s mineral resource potential with Hunan Province’s technical expertise, industrial experience and investment capacity to generate long-term economic benefits for both sides.
