why is India exploring for copper and cobalt in Zambia?

India's exploration in Zambia is driven by its need for copper and cobalt, essential materials for electric vehicles and green energy systems, as the nation aims to transition to clean energy.

What area of land has Zambia allocated to India for mineral exploration?

The Zambian government has allocated approximately 9,000 square kilometers of land to India for mineral exploration,focusing on cobalt and copper.

How long will the Indian team stay in zambia for the exploration phase?

The Indian team is expected to stay in Zambia for three years for the exploration phase,conducting physical surveys and collecting samples for analysis in Indian laboratories.

What happens after the three-year exploration period?

Following the three-year exploration period, India will consider applying for a mining lease from the Zambian government. If the results are promising,private indian companies may be invited to participate in the mining project.

Why is securing copper and cobalt critically important for India's economy?

Securing stable supplies of copper and cobalt is crucial for India's industrial growth and its transition to green energy,especially given the increasing global demand and rising prices of these critical minerals.

How has the shutdown of Vedanta's Sterlite Copper smelter impacted India's copper supply?

The shutdown of Vedanta's Sterlite Copper smelter in 2018 created a meaningful gap in India's domestic copper supply, leading to increased copper imports.

Tag:

natural resources

Q: What other regions is India considering for mineral exploration?

Besides Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, India is also exploring opportunities in Australia and Latin America to diversify its sources of critical minerals.

Technology

Mud Volcano Emerges in Grobogan: What Experts Say

by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor October 20, 2025

written by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor

New ‌mud Volcano Emerges in Central Java, Prompting Geological Investigation

A previously unknown geological formation has rapidly appeared in Central Java, Indonesia, ‌startling residents ‍and drawing the attention of geological experts. The structure, resembling a small ⁤mountain, began forming in late May 2025 and is now confirmed to be a mud volcano ⁢- a landform created by the eruption ⁤of mud, water, and gases. The emergence has raised concerns among local communities,prompting authorities to initiate investigations into the cause and potential risks.

The sudden appearance of this mud volcano is significant because it highlights the dynamic geological activity beneath Java, a region situated along the Pacific Ring of ⁣Fire.While mud volcanoes are not uncommon ‌globally, their unexpected formation can disrupt local ecosystems, agricultural land, and infrastructure. Understanding the underlying mechanisms driving this eruption is crucial for assessing future hazards and ensuring the safety of nearby populations.Geologists are currently analyzing samples and monitoring the site⁣ for changes in activity.

According to experts, the⁢ mud ⁣volcano’s formation is linked to subsurface geological pressures and the presence of‌ water-saturated sediments. “The pressure from below ⁢forces ‌the mud and water to the surface ‍through fissures in the ⁣earth,” ‍explained a geologist in ⁣a CNBC Indonesia interview on June 3, 2025. “This‍ is frequently enough triggered by tectonic activity, but can also be caused by the compaction of sediments‍ or ‌the presence of geothermal fluids.”

The newly formed structure is located in ⁢an area with known sedimentary deposits and is being closely monitored ⁣for changes in eruption rate ⁣and composition. Authorities have established a safety perimeter around the site and ⁣are advising ‌residents to avoid approaching the area.Further ⁢research ⁢is planned to determine the long-term stability of the‌ mud volcano and its potential impact‌ on the surrounding environment.

October 20, 2025 0 comments

Entertainment

Title: Norway’s Sovereign Fund Expands Renewable Energy Investments

by Julia Evans – Entertainment Editor September 12, 2025

written by Julia Evans – Entertainment Editor

Norway‘s Sovereign Wealth Fund Intensifies Investment in Global Electrical Networks

OSLO - Norway’s Government Pension Global Fund, the world’s⁤ largest sovereign wealth fund, is substantially expanding its investments in electrical⁢ networks and ‌related infrastructure, citing the critical need for capital to support the global⁤ energy transition. The fund, managing over $1.6 trillion ‌in assets, views investment in grid infrastructure as equally⁢ crucial as investment in renewable energy generation.

This strategic shift comes as the fund seeks to diversify its renewable energy portfolio beyond offshore⁢ wind,where it has historically focused. While currently representing approximately 0.4% of its total investments, the fund’s renewable infrastructure holdings include‌ ten investments across five ⁢countries, beginning with ⁢a first foray‌ into the sector in 2021 through participation in the Borsselle 1 and 2 marine wind farms in the Netherlands. Recent additions include a €1.4 ⁣billion ($1.6 billion) stake in the Nordsecluster and Thor projects of RWE AG, and investments in solar projects in Spain.

“Until now it has been invested a lot in marine wind energy” and the background now seeks to diversify,” said Nicolai ⁢von ‍Heyden during a Pareto Securities ‌Energy conference in Oslo. He emphasized that the capital needs for ‍network infrastructure are⁣ estimated to be as ⁢substantial as those for energy generation overall.

The fund’s increased focus‍ aligns ⁤with broader industry trends, as evidenced by recent transactions such as Apollo Global Management’s acquisition of a stake in a joint venture to invest ‍in the German electricity grid, and interest in⁤ German Tennet‌ Holding BV. The fund ⁤also recently purchased reduced Colombian debt, according to Bloomberg Linea.

September 12, 2025 0 comments

World

Chinese Rare Earths Help Power U.S. Defense, Military

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor August 11, 2025

written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

Washington Races to Break China‘s Grip on Critical Minerals, Faces Steep Climb – The U.S. Department of Defense is intensifying efforts to establish an self-reliant supply chain for rare earth elements and other critical minerals, vital for defense technologies and green energy, but faces meaningful hurdles in overcoming China’s decades-long dominance in the field.

The push comes amid growing concerns over national security and economic vulnerability linked to reliance on China for these essential materials. Currently, China controls a substantial portion of the global supply chain, from mining and processing to magnet production. The DoD is reportedly investing in projects aimed at domestic mining and processing, including initiatives in states like Texas and Wyoming, but progress is slow.

According to a recent report in the Wall Street Journal,the U.S. is seeking to diversify its sources,including exploring options for minerals sourced from countries beyond china. However, establishing a complete “mine-to-magnet” supply chain is a complex undertaking. it requires not only securing raw materials but also building the infrastructure for separation, refining, and manufacturing – capabilities where China currently holds a significant advantage.

“The disparity in the intellectual firepower in China versus the United States with respect to these metals is pretty severe,” stated Chris Berry, president of House Mountain Partners, an independent metals analysis consultancy. China’s expertise extends to advanced metallurgical techniques and efficient processing methods developed over years of investment and innovation. Specifically, China dominates the production of neodymium magnets, crucial for electric vehicle motors and wind turbines.

Meanwhile, China is actively strengthening its position. Satellite imagery analyzed by Al Jazeera on August 7, 2025, reveals a surge in rare earth mining activity in Myanmar, a country rich in these resources. This expansion occurs largely in areas controlled by non-state armed groups, raising ethical and geopolitical concerns. Furthermore, the Chinese government is reportedly creating a formal catalog of its rare-earth specialists, aiming to prevent the outflow of critical technical knowledge, as reported by the Wall Street Journal on April 26, 2024.

Last year, China witnessed its highest number of overseas mining acquisitions in over a decade, according to the Financial Times (December 18, 2023). These acquisitions span continents, including investments in lithium mines in australia and copper projects in Africa, further consolidating China’s control over global mineral resources. Notable acquisitions included a 23.98% stake in the Manono lithium project in the Democratic Republic of Congo by China Molybdenum.

“China is not doing business differently-they are just doing more of it,” remarked preeya Baskaran, a specialist in supply chain security. This continued expansion underscores the challenges facing the U.S. and other nations seeking to reduce their dependence on China for critical minerals. The U.S. Geological Survey estimates that China currently accounts for approximately 70% of global rare earth element production.

August 11, 2025 0 comments

News

Pine Decline in Switzerland: Oak’s Rise Amid Climate Change

by Chief editor of world-today-news.com August 3, 2025

written by Chief editor of world-today-news.com

Here’s a rewritten version of the article,preserving all verifiable facts and ensuring 100% uniqueness:

Oak Trees Poised to replace Pines in Swiss forests Amidst Warming Climate

In Switzerland,particularly in the Alps,a significant shift is occurring in forest composition. Pines are declining, while oak trees are increasingly taking their place, according to Charlotte Grosord, a researcher at the EPFL vegetable ecology laboratory. This observation stems from studies conducted in areas like the Bois de Finges (VS),one of Switzerland’s warmest and largest regions. During soil regeneration processes, researchers have noted that the young trees emerging are predominantly oaks, not pines.

This trend is particularly relevant for regions experiencing the impacts of global warming,which has already seen temperatures rise by more than 2.9°C compared to pre-industrial averages. The findings allow for predictions about which tree species will come to dominate these changing environments.

“We will likely see more hardwoods with deep root systems and smaller leaves,” Grosord explained. “These characteristics help trees conserve water and possess wood that is highly resistant to significant hydraulic stress.”

Understanding the Impact of Warming

To differentiate the effects of soil dryness from those of ambient air dryness, researchers implemented a controlled experiment using large foggers along several trees last year. Initial results indicate that dry air causes trees to utilize water earlier in the season and in greater quantities,leading to a more rapid drying of the soil. Giovanni Bortolami, a fellow researcher in plant ecophysiology, likened this to a glass of water evaporating faster in a desert’s dry air than in a tropical forest’s humid air, even at the same temperature.

Interestingly, the comparisons made with the foggers yielded unexpected insights. Trees exposed to misting did not necessarily fare better than their counterparts.Grosord noted that trees experiencing atmospheric drought tend to activate their “safety valves” more quickly, which in turn slows down the decline process.

The Rise of the Oak

The future of oak trees in Switzerland, alongside other species, appears to be increasingly secure. Understanding the resilience of trees to climate warming is crucial for fostering healthy forest growth. Such forests are vital for protecting ecosystems and human infrastructure, as well as for sequestering carbon dioxide.

“For a forest to function as a carbon sink, it requires healthy trees, often supported by strong biodiversity,” Grosord concluded. “We certainly know that biodiversity enhances numerous ecosystem functions, including the capacity to store carbon.”

This research will contribute to a more accurate assessment of carbon sinks’ effectiveness and improve predictions of atmospheric CO2 concentrations, thereby refining models of global warming’s extent.

TV Subject: Pascal Jeannerat
Web Adaptation: Raphaël Dubois with AFP

August 3, 2025 0 comments

News

Valais Forest Damage: Risks & Cleanup After Snowfall

by Chief editor of world-today-news.com July 25, 2025

written by Chief editor of world-today-news.com

Valais Forests Face Lingering Damage Three Months After Heavy Snowfalls

Three months after the strong snowfalls that occurred in Valais, the forests are still carrying the damage stigma. The situation requires rapid intervention too prevent natural adn health risks.

In mid-April, heavy and unexpected snow fell on valais. Under its weight, tens of thousands of trees collapsed.Today, the forests remain congested with trunks that the loggers try to evacuate as quickly as possible. Beyond visual damage, the challenges are environmental and health.

“This one is infested. There, we have a larva. If we do nothing, it will really give substrate to the pests who will be able to develop without any obstacle, and it is indeed not onyl going to touch the wood which was put on the ground by heavy snow, but also the woods which are healthy all around,” explains Friday in the 7:30 pm Michaël Roux, engineer in the Nature Landscape.

“We really want to prevent it from spreading and that it brings even more prejudice to the protection function on the forests,” he continues.

Risky Torrents and Major Work

The situation is not limited to lying trees. In Pratlong, for example, the fallen trunks clutter the torrent bed. A threat to infrastructure in the event of bad weather.

“In the event of large thunderstorms with surveyed water climbs or even torrential lavas, there is a risk of plugs with bridges, works, pipes, deterioration of banks and also a risk of overflow,” explains Olivier Bourdin, gardas and director of forestry sorting of Thyon.

The challenge is size: a hundred torrents must be uncluttered just in the town of heremence. Slow and challenging work. “It’s a hundred meters a day. After two and a half months,we have almost 60% of the work to be carried out. It is considerable,” admits Olivier Bourdin.

To optimize the intervention, a laser detection technology made it possible to establish a precise mapping of the damage in the Val d’Hérens. This overview facilitates work planning, which should still last several months in the most affected sectors.

Claudine Gaillard Torrent/ther

India Launches Copper and Cobalt Hunt in Zambia to Power Clean Energy

Table of Contents

India Launches Copper and Cobalt Hunt in Zambia to Power Clean Energy

In a strategic move to bolster its clean energy transition, India has dispatched a team of geologists to Zambia to explore for copper and cobalt deposits. This initiative is part of a broader plan to secure the critical minerals required for the nation’s growing electric vehicle (EV) and renewable energy sectors.

India’s mineral Security Strategy Takes Shape

Two high-ranking Indian government officials, speaking anonymously, revealed that the exploration will cover a considerable area in Zambia, with samples being transported back to India for thorough analysis. The Zambian government has already approved the allocation of approximately 9,000 square kilometers-an area roughly the size of Enugu State in Nigeria-for this purpose [[3]].

Did You Know? Cobalt is a key component in lithium-ion batteries, essential for electric vehicles and mobile phones, while copper is vital for power generation and electronics manufacturing.

Three-Year exploration Plan

The Indian team is slated to remain in zambia for three years, conducting physical surveys and collecting samples during multiple visits. Following this exploration phase, India will consider applying for a mining lease from the Zambian government. If the exploration yields promising results, the Indian government may invite private companies to participate in the mining project, perhaps injecting significant investment into Zambia’s mining sector.

Zambia, a major copper producer in Africa, has historically attracted foreign investment from China and Europe. India’s entry into the zambian mining landscape signifies a diversification of investment sources.

Global Race for Critical Minerals Intensifies

While the Indian Ministry of Mines has not issued a formal statement, officials have confirmed ongoing discussions with several African nations, including Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), to secure access to critical minerals. These discussions occur amidst a global scramble among major powers to control resources essential for renewable energy technologies.

India is also exploring opportunities in Australia and Latin America to reduce its reliance on mineral imports. Earlier this year, an Indian delegation attended a mining conference in the DRC and toured major cobalt and copper mines, as publicized by the Ministry of Mines on social media.

Pro Tip: Diversifying mineral sources is crucial for mitigating supply chain risks and ensuring a stable supply of critical materials.

Copper and Cobalt Imports Surge

India’s urgency to secure mineral supplies has been heightened by the shutdown of Vedanta’s Sterlite Copper smelter in Tamil Nadu in 2018, which created a significant deficit in domestic copper production. Consequently, copper imports have steadily increased, reaching 1.2 million metric tons in the financial year ending March 2025, a 4% increase from the previous year.

As for cobalt, India is almost entirely dependent on imports.In the 2024/25 fiscal year, the nation imported 693 metric tons of cobalt oxide, a 20% increase from the previous year. These figures underscore the critical need for India to secure stable supplies of both metals to support its industrial growth and green energy transition.

Mineral	import Volume (2024/25)	Change from previous Year
copper	1.2 million metric tons	+4%
Cobalt Oxide	693 metric tons	+20%

Long-Term Partnerships for Mineral Security

By partnering with Zambia and potentially other African nations, India aims to establish long-term relationships that guarantee a consistent supply of minerals. This initiative reflects the evolving dynamics of global mineral politics, as countries like India strive to balance economic progress with environmental objectives.

While concrete mining operations are yet to be confirmed, the current exploration efforts signal India’s commitment to becoming a significant player in the critical minerals market. For Zambia, this partnership could lead to new investments, job creation, and stronger ties with one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.

Evergreen Insights: The Geopolitical Importance of Critical Minerals

The global race to secure critical minerals like copper and cobalt is intensifying as nations recognize their strategic importance in the transition to a low-carbon economy. These minerals are essential for manufacturing electric vehicles, wind turbines, solar panels, and other green technologies. countries with abundant reserves of these minerals, such as Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, are becoming increasingly important players in the global economy. India’s proactive approach to securing mineral supplies reflects a broader trend of nations seeking to ensure their access to the resources necessary for future economic growth and technological advancement.

Frequently Asked Questions About India’s Mineral Exploration in zambia

Why is India investing in mineral exploration in Africa?: India is investing in mineral exploration in Africa to secure access to critical minerals like copper and cobalt,which are essential for its growing electric vehicle and renewable energy industries.
What are the potential benefits for Zambia from this partnership?: The partnership could bring new investments, job opportunities, and closer ties with one of the world’s largest emerging economies.
How dose this exploration align with India’s environmental goals?: By securing access to minerals needed for green technologies, India aims to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and transition to a more sustainable energy system.

What impact will this partnership have on Zambia’s economy? How will India balance its economic goals with environmental sustainability in this venture?

Share yoru thoughts and join the conversation below!

July 1, 2025 0 comments

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