Global mining giant BHP is planning a major push into copper exploration in Zambia, signalling renewed investor confidence in the southern African country’s mineral potential amid rising global demand for the metal.
According to Zambia’s Ministry of Mines, BHP is keen to undertake large-scale exploration activities, targeting previously underexplored deposits in the country.
The move reflects growing international interest in Zambia’s copper resources as demand for the metal—critical for renewable energy systems, electric vehicles and infrastructure—continues to surge.
Zambia is Africa’s second-largest copper producer after the Democratic Republic of Congo and is seeking to significantly ramp up output in the coming years.
The government has set an ambitious target to more than triple copper production by 2031, positioning the sector as a key driver of economic growth and foreign investment.
BHP’s renewed interest marks a notable return to the African mining landscape after scaling back its presence in the region over the past decade.
The company is now adopting a more systematic approach to exploration, including hosting regional workshops and engaging with governments, junior mining firms and research institutions across southern Africa.
The exploration strategy is expected to focus on identifying large, “concealed” copper deposits that lie beneath complex geological formations. Such resources are increasingly being targeted globally as easily accessible high-grade deposits become scarce.
Advanced technologies, including geophysical modelling and data-driven analysis, are expected to play a central role in locating these deeper mineral systems.
Zambian authorities have welcomed the development, highlighting ongoing efforts to improve the investment climate and make geological data more accessible to investors.
Recent initiatives include airborne geophysical surveys and the digitisation of geological records, measures aimed at reducing exploration risks and attracting global mining firms.
The renewed interest by BHP comes at a time when competition for critical minerals is intensifying globally. Copper, in particular, has become a strategic resource due to its essential role in clean energy technologies and electrification.
Industry analysts note that meeting future demand will require significant investment in new discoveries, especially in underexplored regions like Zambia.
BHP’s engagement in Zambia is also part of a broader regional strategy that includes exploration activities in countries such as Namibia, Angola and South Africa. This multi-country approach allows the company to assess geological potential across different jurisdictions while building partnerships that could support long-term development.
If successful, the initiative could further cement Zambia’s position as a leading copper producer and strengthen its role in global supply chains for critical minerals, at a time when demand is expected to accelerate sharply in the coming decades.