The Zambian mining and exploration sector is set for a major boost thanks to a ground-breaking aerial geological survey of the Copperbelt conducted by First Quantum Minerals (FQM), a Canada-based global copper company which specialises in mineral exploration, development and mining.
The survey that has been handed over to the Zambia’s Minister of Mines and Mineral Development during a ceremony hosted by His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema, addresses the lack of comprehensive documentation of the region’s mineral wealth, despite over a century of mining operations.
The airborne geophysical data, now accessible through the government’s Geological Survey Department, marks a crucial step in Zambia’s ongoing mineral exploration efforts, the mining company stated. The firm expects the survey to invigorate the mining and exploration sector, benefiting the nation.
At the data handover ceremony at State House, President Hakainde Hichilema emphasized the importance of understanding the country’s mineral resources. He noted that effective resource management requires precise knowledge of mineral locations and depths, a gap the new geophysical survey aims to address.
At the event, FQM Chief Executive Officer Tristan Pascall reaffirmed the company’s dedication to collaborating with the government to maximize the Copperbelt’s mineral resources.
He emphasized that the survey reflects FQM’s strong commitment to Zambia’s economic progress and the sustainable expansion of its mining industry. By investing in advanced geological research, the company aims to unlock new mining opportunities that will benefit not just FQM but the entire nation, fostering long-term growth and development in the sector.
Tristan Pascall highlighted Zambia’s ongoing efforts to boost exploration and achieve its goal of producing 3 million tonnes of copper annually. He emphasized the country’s ambition to remain a global leader in copper mining, with exploration being the key driver of this vision.
Mines and Minerals Development Minister Paul Kabuswe confirmed that FQM fully funded the survey under a memorandum of understanding with the government, ensuring its timely completion as part of Zambia’s broader strategy to strengthen its mining sector.
In August 2023, President Hichilema launched a nationwide high-resolution aerial geophysical survey to map Zambia’s mineral resources across all ten provinces. With this new data, Mines Minister Paul Kabuswe stated that consultations are ongoing to assess any remaining areas in the Copperbelt that may still require mapping under the National Geological Minerals Survey.
FQM Exploration Manager Jon Stacey confirmed that the survey data has been handed over to the government’s Geological Survey Department, providing mining rights holders with crucial information for exploration and development.
“There was a need to generate new regional data to support exploration efforts aligned with the government’s goal of producing 3 million tonnes of copper annually. We focused on the Copperbelt, where the impact would be most significant,” Stacey explained.
Beyond the geological survey, FQM continues to invest in local infrastructure, renewable energy, and community development, reinforcing its commitment to Zambia’s economic growth. The latest survey plays a crucial role in advancing the mining sector and supporting the government’s vision for increased copper production.
