Mapping of mineral resources advances

Mr Chilengi was speaking at the Africa Critical Minerals Conference 2026 yesterday.

He said Zambia has for many years remained largely unmapped, with the last major geological mapping exercise having been undertaken in 1972.

Mr Chilengi said the exercise presents an opportunity for investors to use improved geological data to identify and develop mineral resources.

He said Government is also implementing reforms aimed at creating a predictable, transparent and effective legal and institutional framework for the mining sector.

Mr Chilengi cited the establishment of the Minerals Regulation Commission as one of the key reforms, saying separating regulation from policy will provide greater certainty for investors.

He said the Mining Appeals Tribunal has also been established to ensure that disputes arising in the mining sector can be resolved expeditiously rather than through lengthy court processes.

Chinese Embassy counsellor Jin Jun said Zambia’s mineral endowment and the global energy transition present new opportunities for deeper China Zambia mining cooperation.

Mr Jin said emerging industries like electric vehicles, semiconductors and artificial intelligence are driving global demand for critical minerals, giving Zambia an opportunity to translate its resource advantage into development gains.

He said Chinese companies will continue to support the green, smart and modern development of Zambia’s mining industry while complying with Zambian laws and localisation policies.

Chinese Mining Enterprises Association in Zambia chairperson Wang Jingjun said Chinese-funded enterprises represent more than 40 companies across mining, smelting, engineering and logistics, with combined investments of more than US$3.5 billion and nearly 19,000 jobs created for local workers.

Shanghai Metals Market chairperson Adam Fan said a stable regulatory framework is critical to attracting long-term investment into Zambia’s mining sector.

Mr Fan said mining is no longer simply an extraction industry but a cornerstone of national economic development.

Zambia Development Agency director general Albert Halwampa said Zambia needs to move beyond exporting copper cathodes, anodes and concentrates but attract investors to establish industries that can create greater value from the minerals locally. https://enews.daily-mail.co.zm/welcome/home