National Mineral Mapping Progressing Well

On August 14th, President Hakainde Hichilema launched the nationwide geological mapping survey, which aims to pinpoint areas in the country with mineral deposits. The survey has now covered significant parts of the Western and North Western provinces and is expected to be completed by the end of May 2025.

The first-ever countrywide high-resolution aerial geophysical smart mapping survey will advance Zambia’s mineral exploration efforts and help the country achieve Hichilema’s target of producing three million tons of copper annually by 2031.

In an interview with ZNBC News in Lusaka, Mines Permanent Secretary Hapenga Kabeta explained that the country has been divided into four zones, with Zone A encompassing Western and North-Western Provinces.

The Mines Permanent Secretary told ZNBC, “Areas such as Zambezi and Kalabo have adequately been covered, and as I am speaking to you, the planes are flying, and we should be able to complete Zone 1 by the end of May 2025.

“We want to understand if there are any minerals. Round 1 will tell us there is an anomaly, but it will not say what the metal is,” added the Permanent Secretary.

Kabeta also updated on the transfer of mining cadastre information to the Trimbo system, which is anchored by Smart Zambia. The system will oversee the process of granting and managing mineral licenses throughout the country.

Kabeta told ZNBC, “We are very confident that when we have this system, it will serve the interest of mining stakeholders, those who want to check and those who want to apply for licenses.”