India has initiated a high-profile, three-year geological exploration in Zambia aimed at securing essential supplies of copper and cobalt—minerals critical for its ambitious energy transition and industrial growth agendas.
The mission, officially confirmed by two Indian government sources to Reuters, represents a strategic move to bolster India’s supply chain resilience.
Under the agreement, Zambia has allocated approximately 9,000 km² (about 3,475 sq mi) of land to Indian geologists, who will conduct multiple field visits over the next three years. A significant portion of the analytical work will take place in India’s laboratories.
If promising deposits are identified, New Delhi plans to seek a formal mining lease and may invite private-sector participation. Zambian authorities and state entities have not publicly commented, and India’s Ministry of Mines declined to respond to media inquiries.
Why copper and cobalt matter
Copper and cobalt are central to India’s clean‑energy and technology ambitions. Copper plays a crucial role in power infrastructure—from generation to transmission—while cobalt is essential for high-capacity lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles and consumer electronics.
The urgency of securing these minerals stems from significant supply vulnerabilities. India’s domestic copper output plummeted after the 2018 closure of Vedanta’s Sterlite smelter, pushing imports of refined copper to 1.2 million tonnes in the fiscal year ending March 2025—a 4% increase year-on-year. Meanwhile, cobalt-oxide imports surged 20% to 693 tonnes due to India’s near-complete reliance on foreign sources.
A global push for strategic minerals
India’s Zambian venture is part of a broader initiative to diversify its mineral supply sources. It extends beyond copper and cobalt to include lithium exploration in domestic reserves and strategic partnerships in Africa, Australia, and Latin America.
In March, New Delhi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo engaged in discussions about securing cobalt and copper—following an Indian delegation’s participation in a mining conference in Kinshasa.
State-owned miner NMDC is also active internationally. The company recently launched an office in Dubai to oversee potential acquisitions in Africa and Australia, including critical minerals such as lithium, copper, cobalt, and iron ore.
Additionally, a June 30 memorandum between Hindustan Copper and Coal India aims to jointly evaluate opportunities in the copper and critical minerals space.
Challenges and implications for Zambia
Zambia’s Copperbelt—a historically rich mineral region—is dominated by major players such as the Kansanshi, Lumwana, and Nchanga mines. However, exploration in the region faces complex challenges.
Zambia’s regulatory landscape has been volatile: a 35% export levy on raw copper ore implemented in January 2025 aims to encourage in-country processing but complicates economics for investors. Environmental concerns also loom, underscored by February’s Sino-Metals Leach tailings-dam collapse that polluted the Kafue River and drew international scrutiny.
Looking ahead
The next phase will focus on geological surveys and sample collection over the coming years. Analysis will guide India’s decision to apply for mining leases and structure public-private partnerships within Zambia. While the arrangement promises to enhance India’s access to critical minerals, it also underscores Zambia’s evolving role in global resource geopolitics.
As India deepens its foothold in Africa’s mineral-rich territories, the success of this initiative will depend on Zambia’s regulatory stability, environmental safeguards, and the ability to attract responsible investment that benefits both nations.
