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.

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.

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

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