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The government has acknowledged that Zambia’s long-standing challenge of low mining production had been worsened by inadequate geological information and limited financing for small-scale miners.
Minister of Mines and Minerals Development, Paul Kabuswe, said the ongoing countrywide high-resolution aerial geophysical survey was poised to fundamentally transform the sector by providing precise geological data.
Speaking on Parliament TV and Radio on Tuesday, Kabuswe said the survey, being conducted by Excalibur, would create an unprecedented level of transparency and opportunity for investors.
He explained that completion of the nationwide survey by mid-2026 would be a game-changer, attracting targeted investment and curbing illegal mining.
“For the first time, investors will be in a position to undertake targeted exploration with confidence. This will lead to properly negotiated joint ventures and strategic investments, moving us away from a speculative approach to a data-driven one,” Kabuswe said.
The minister added that although Zambia had long been aware of untapped mineral deposits such as gold, the lack of detailed mapping had hindered exploitation.
The new survey data, he said, would officially reveal the country’s full mineral potential.
On artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM), Kabuswe reaffirmed the government’s commitment to formalisation as the primary strategy for growth and safety.
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“Formalising informal miners is the only sustainable way for artisanal miners to thrive. Our recently held Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Conference, the first of its kind in Zambia, underscores this commitment,” he stated.
He assured that government would curb illegal mining by providing tangible solutions, including training programmes and promoting safe, structured mining practices.
In a related development, Kabuswe expressed strong confidence in achieving the national target of producing 3 million tonnes of copper annually by 2031.
He attributed this optimism to concrete measures the government had implemented to ensure brownfield investments significantly boost production.
Echoing the minister’s sentiments on the importance of geological data, Emerald and Semi-Precious Stones Mining Association president, Victor Kabesha, welcomed the government’s initiative as a critical step toward resolving long-standing obstacles.
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