Archive · 1 Jul 2025
India Explores Copper and Cobalt Deposits in Zambia
India is trying to find more copper and cobalt, which are important for things like electric cars and phones.
They're sending experts to Zambia to look for these minerals.
Zambia gave India a large area to explore for these minerals.
This project will take three years, with most of the work done in India.
India is also talking to other countries, like the Democratic Republic of Congo, to get more of these minerals.
Copper imports have also increased recently.
India is sending geologists to Zambia to explore for copper and cobalt.
The Zambian government allocated 9,000 sq km for the mineral exploration.
Exploration is planned for three years, with analysis largely in India.
India is also in discussions with the Democratic Republic of Congo.
India's copper imports rose to 1.2 million metric tons in FY2025.
- Who
- India, through its government, is conducting the exploration.
- What
- India is exploring for copper and cobalt deposits in Zambia and seeking to secure supplies of critical minerals.
- When
- Exploration is underway, with the project set to last three years.
- Where
- Zambia, with discussions ongoing in the Democratic Republic of Congo and exploration interests in other countries.
- Why
- To secure critical mineral supplies for its energy transition and address its growing vulnerability in the global copper market.
- Location of Exploration
- Zambia
- Minerals of Interest
- Copper and Cobalt
- Exploration Area in Zambia
- 9,000 sq km
- Project Duration
- 3 years
- Indian Copper Imports (FY2025)
- 1.2 million metric tons
