Sydney, Australia – Speaking at the International Ministers and Dignitaries session during IMARC 2024, H.E. Dr Elias Munshya, Zambia’s Ambassador to Australia, highlighted Zambia’s ambitious plans to boost copper production and attract international investment. Addressing a global audience, Dr Munshya outlined Zambia’s vision to quadruple copper output to 3 million metric tonnes within the next decade, emphasising the country’s stability, vast mineral resources, and strategic infrastructure projects. His remarks underscored Zambia’s commitment to sustainable growth and invited international partners to participate in the nation’s evolving mining sector.
With Zambia currently ranked as Africa’s second-largest copper producer, Dr Munshya shared the government’s ambitious plan to increase production from 800,000 metric tonnes to 3 million metric tonnes over the next ten years. “His Excellency, President Hakainde Hichilema, has challenged us as a nation to quadruple our copper production to about 3 million metric tonnes within a decade,” Dr Munshya explained. “It is a huge challenge, but with partners like you, we believe it is attainable.”
Copper, as Dr Munshya highlighted, is integral to the global drive for sustainable energy and is essential in the electric vehicle sector. “Copper is necessary for our sustainable future,” he noted, underscoring the mineral’s role in advancing green technologies. He extended a personal invitation to the audience, stating, “We welcome you to Zambia to explore opportunities in our mining sector.”
H.E Dr. Elias Munshya with Hon. Madeleine King MP
Expounding on Zambia’s investment potential, Dr Munshya pointed to the country’s relatively unexplored terrain. “Zambia remains largely under-explored,” he remarked, identifying this as a strategic opportunity for both junior and established explorers. “Our journey to 3 million metric tonnes begins at the exploration level,” he continued, noting that the nation seeks committed partners to drive this phase.
Beyond copper, Dr Munshya emphasised Zambia’s reserves of cobalt, a key mineral for electric vehicle batteries, particularly in Zambia’s northwestern province, where cobalt is often a by-product of copper extraction. “This invitation extends beyond copper to other essential minerals that are integral to the future,” he stated.
Dr Munshya also outlined Zambia’s infrastructure projects aimed at supporting efficient resource export. He described multiple trade routes, including a railway to the Port of Dar es Salaam and the newly developed Lobito Corridor, which links Zambia with the DRC and Angola, enhancing access to global markets. “These infrastructure developments are crucial for bringing Zambian resources to market,” he said, noting that the Lobito Corridor has already attracted US investment.
To assure investors, Dr Munshya highlighted Zambia’s reputation as a stable democracy and “a beacon of peace in the region.” He affirmed that partnering with Zambia offers a secure environment supported by incentives for investors, which can be discussed through Zambia’s High Commission.
H.E Dr. Elias Munshya with a Perth based Zambian entreprenuer John Kalunga of Seth Diesel
In closing, Dr Munshya pointed to established international partnerships in Zambia’s mining sector and invited new investors to visit and explore opportunities. “Come to Zambia, see the opportunities, and let’s explore how we can work together,” he concluded.