Zambia has around 6% of the world’s proven copper reserves, ranking fourth globally and second in Africa. It’s also a top producer of cobalt and semi-precious stones like emeralds, amethyst, and aquamarine.
Rivers like the Zambezi and Kafue have strong hydropower potential, while fertile land and forests support farming and biodiversity.
Mining has driven Zambia’s economy since the early 1900s, with copper making up over 60% of exports and nearly 45% of government revenue. The country also has coal, limestone in Lusaka and Central Provinces, and small-scale gold.
With 20 national parks, wildlife fuels tourism, and forestry and fisheries support local incomes. Altogether, these resources make up 40% of Zambia’s wealth.
Zambia’s Natural Resources And Their Locations
Here are resources that have been discovered in Zambia and their locations:
| Natural Resources | Locations |
|---|---|
| Copper | Copperbelt Province (e.g., Kitwe, Chingola, Mufulira) |
| Cobalt | Copperbelt Province and North-Western Zambia |
| Emeralds | Ndola Rural Area |
| Gold | Central Zambia (Mumbwa), Eastern Zambia (Jessie, Dunrobin, Sasara) |
| Coal | Maamba Coal Mine near Lake Kariba |
| Limestone | Lusaka region, Central Province, and parts of Eastern Province |
| Uranium | Copperbelt Province, North-Western Zambia, Mid Zambezi Basin |
| Amethyst | Kariba Minerals Limited (produces ~700 tons annually) |
| Tourmaline & Aquamarine | Various pegmatites across Zambia |
| Nickel & Platinum Group Elements | South and East of Lusaka |
| Hydropower Potential | Zambezi River, Kafue River, Luangwa River |
| Forests (Timber) | Copperbelt Province (industrial plantations managed by ZAFFICO) |
| Wildlife & Fisheries | Wetlands like Bangweulu Swamps, rivers such as Chambeshi and Luapula, and lakes like Lake Kariba |
Zambia’s Natural Resource Discoveries
Copper mining in Zambia began in ancient times with surface extraction by local communities. Commercial operations started in 1908 at Kansanshi and expanded after rich sulphide ores were discovered in 1924 in the Copperbelt.
Zambia holds about 6% of the world’s copper reserves, estimated at 20 million metric tons. By 2023, production will exceed 800,000 metric tons annually.
Large-scale mining was first driven by Cecil Rhodes’ British South Africa Company, later dominated by Anglo-American Corporation and Roan Selection Trust.
Cobalt was identified as a byproduct of copper in the mid-20th century. Zambia now ranks among the top global producers, with reserves of over 270,000 metric tons and annual output between 5,000 and 6,000 metric tons.
Emeralds were first found in the late 1930s in Ndola Rural. Large-scale mining began in the 1970s at Kagem Mine, which today accounts for over 25% of the global supply.
In 2023, emerald exports surpassed $150 million. Kagem Mining Ltd., partly owned by Gemfields Plc, leads operations. Gold deposits were discovered in Mumbwa and Dunrobin in the early 20th century.
Estimated reserves exceed 7 million ounces. By 2024, small-scale producers were generating about 4,000 kilograms annually. New reserves were seen near Kasenseli in 2023.
Coal was discovered in the 1960s at Maamba and supports Zambia’s thermal power sector. Reserves exceed 30 million metric tons, with an annual output of 1.2 million tons.
Limestone, found near Lusaka and Central Province, totals over 50 million metric tons, primarily used for cement and agriculture.
Uranium, discovered during copper exploration in the 2000s, has an estimated 25,000 metric tons, but these are untapped. Amethyst production began in the 1950s, with about 700 tons produced yearly.
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Viability Of Zambia’s Natural Resource
Copper is Zambia’s key resource, accounting for 70% of export earnings and 10% of the GDP. In 2023, the country produced 698,000 metric tons, ranking seventh globally and second in Africa.
However, unstable policies have discouraged investment, with royalties changing 10 times between 2002 and 2018. Production also declined from 800,696 tons in 2021 to 763,287 tons in 2022 due to underinvestment.
The government targets 3 million tons by 2032, though 1 million tons by 2026 is seen as more achievable with new funding.
Cobalt, a copper by-product for batteries, is another essential mineral. Its output depends on copper mining, limiting independent growth. Still, rising EV demand and collaboration with the DRC on battery supply chains could improve its role.
Zambia supplies around 20% of global emeralds, mainly from the Kagem Mine. Other gemstones include amethyst and aquamarine.
Illegal mining and smuggling reduce state revenue. Improved regulation and marketing could help Zambia gain more from global luxury markets.
Gold is mined on a small scale in the Central and Eastern Provinces. Lack of large-scale operations limits its impact, but recent exploration, if backed by foreign investment, may boost output.
Coal from Maamba Collieries supports local energy needs, but limited reserves constrain long-term use. While coal is still relevant domestically, it faces pressure from renewables.
Over 80% of Zambia’s electricity comes from hydropower, with major plants along the Zambezi. Droughts caused by climate change have led to power shortages.
Uranium in the North-Western Province is undeveloped due to regulatory and pricing challenges, though it holds untapped potential.
Export Potential Of Zambia’s Natural Resource
Zambia is a key player in the global export market, particularly for natural resources like copper, cobalt, emeralds, and hydropower.
These commodities contribute significantly to the country’s GDP and also have vast potential for growth in the coming years.
Copper
In 2023, Zambia exported raw copper worth about $6.95 billion, making it the world’s top raw copper exporter. Copper accounts for around 69% of the country’s total exports and is a key GDP driver.
Major export destinations include Switzerland ($3.13 billion), India ($1.73 billion), China ($1.6 billion), Singapore ($225 million), and Canada ($180 million).
Additionally, copper ore exports to China alone were valued at $51.1 million. Although the sector is expected to grow at a 0.51% CAGR through 2027, most exports are in raw form.
Improving local processing could boost export earnings. However, policy instability has delayed mining investment and production. The government aims to increase copper output to 1 million tons by 2026 and 3 million tons by 2032 to raise export capacity.
Cobalt
Zambia’s cobalt typically follows the same export routes as copper, with China and other Asian countries being key markets.
With rising global demand, investments in focused cobalt mining and processing could unlock strong export growth.
Emeralds
Zambia exported over $150 million worth of emeralds in 2023, sourced from the Kagem Mine, the largest emerald mine globally.
Key markets include Asia and Europe, where Zambian emeralds are valued in high-end jewelry. Strong demand in Asia suggests room for growth through expanded mining and better international market access.
Hydropower
While most hydropower is used domestically, Zambia has export potential from the Kariba Dam shared with Zimbabwe. Target markets include neighboring countries like South Africa, Botswana, and Mozambique.
Economic Impact Of Zambia’s Natural Resource
Zambia’s natural resources are the backbone of its economy, supporting GDP growth, employment, and infrastructure development.
Key sectors such as copper, emeralds, hydropower, and forestry drive export revenue, sustaining livelihoods and attracting investment.
Contribution To GDP
Copper mining contributes around 10% of Zambia’s GDP. In 2023, copper exports made up 69% of total exports, earning more than $6.95 billion. Emerald mining, while smaller in scale, adds over $150 million annually and is a key part of non-metallic mineral exports.
Hydropower doesn’t directly impact GDP through exports but is essential to economic activity, supplying over 85% of the nation’s electricity. Forest ecosystems also contribute approximately 6.3% of the GDP, valued at more than $1.3 billion annually.
Employment
The copper mining industry directly employs over 70,000 people and indirectly supports many more through local supply chains. Emerald mining employs thousands involved in extraction and related sectors.
Forestry supports approximately 1.4 million jobs. Hydropower creates fewer direct jobs, but it helps employment across energy-dependent industries like mining and manufacturing.
Infrastructure And Investment
Copper mining has attracted large-scale infrastructure investment, historically led by firms such as Anglo-American and Roan Selection Trust.
Hydropower infrastructure continues to grow with upgrades to major dams like Kariba and the development of new sites such as the Batoka Gorge.
Emerald mining has seen increased investment, notably from companies like Gemfields, expanding operations at Kagem Mine.