Mining is the cornerstone of Zambia’s economy, generating 70 percent of export earnings and 30 percent of government revenue. Southern Province, in particular, is richly endowed with a variety of minerals and is the country’s leading producer of coal and amethyst. The Province also boasts reserves of tin, lithium, nickel, fluorite, feldspar, uranium and limestone, along with abundant development minerals and building materials such as granite, basalts, sand and clay. These essential components drive infrastructural growth both locally and beyond and prominently occur in Chikankata, Mazabuka, Monze (East), Pemba, Choma (Mbabala), Kalomo, Zimba, Livingstone, and Kazungula.
Southern Province presents a wealth of untapped mining opportunities, offering a competitive edge for investors seeking lucrative opportunities for joint ventures and investments in precious and base metals, industrial minerals, gemstones & semi-precious stones, as well as coal & energy minerals. With abundant mineral resources, streamlined licensing across all provinces, an accommodating taxation regime and strong government support, the mining sector is poised for dynamic expansion. These compelling prospects provide an attractive pathway for investors looking to capitalize on the province’s rich mineral wealth and transformative economic potential.
STRATEGIC & COMPARATIVE ADVANTAGES
- Abundant Mineral Deposits: The province is rich in critical minerals, including nickel (vital for EV batteries), tin, tantalum, fluorite and gemstones like amethyst and aquamarine
- Diverse Investment Avenues: Opportunities span mining, beneficiation, and manufacturing of industrial products, from ceramic tiles and steel alloys to gypsum boards and construction materials.
- Strategic Location: Proximity to regional markets makes it a strategic location for mining
- Growing Demand: Growing domestic and regional demand for minerals and industrial material especially in Africa and Asia.
- Favorable Investment Climate: Government tax incentives for mining investments, public-private partnerships and a skilled workforce support long-term investment success.
- Huge potential for export to international markets, especially in Asia and Africa.
- Low mining and processing costs.
- Reliable water sources for mining operations along the Zambezi Valley.
- Ample land for infrastructural support to the mining sector.
- Greenfield opportunities with minimal environmental liabilities.
AREAS OF POTENTIAL INVESTMENT
1. Precious & Base Metals
- Copper & Gold Mining: Commercial mining potential with known deposits in Pemba and Namwala districts
- Tin, Tungsten & Tantalum (3Ts): A high-value pegmatite belt between Choma and Kalomo offers potential for large-scale mining and processing of the 3Ts
- Lithium: Significant deposits in Kalomo and Zimba districts create opportunities for value addition and processing lithium extraction, processing, and partnership with artisanal mining cooperatives
2. Gemstones & Semi-Precious Stones
- Amethyst, Tourmaline, Aquamarine, Garnet: Establishment of lapidary facilities for cutting, polishing and jewelry production. Deposits of gemstones are mainly found in Choma, Pemba, Kalomo and Siavonga districts
3. Industrial Minerals
- Limestone & Cement Production: Investment opportunities exist in agricultural lime production and other lime-based products through partnerships with local mining communities. Significant limestone deposits are prominently found in Mazabuka.
- Granite & Basalt: Production of quarry aggregates for construction, with additional opportunities for partnerships in quarry aggregate value-added products like bricks, culverts and slabs. Large deposits of granite and quarry are mainly found in Kazungula, Livingstone, Choma, Monze and Pemba.
- Gypsum Mining: Extraction of gypsum for use in cement and fertilizer industries, with deposits in Monze and Siavonga.
- Natural Flat Stone: Manufacture of high-quality natural tiles from Siavonga slates to support the booming construction industry.
- Feldspar: Investment in ceramic tile manufacturing in Siavonga to support the construction industry domestically and beyond
- Fluorite: Processing fluorite for industrial applications, including the steel industry. Large deposits are found in Siavonga, with strong local and export market demand.
4. Energy Minerals
- Coal: Vast coal seams along the Zambezi Valley (Sinazongwe and Gwembe) present an opportunity for power generation
5. Lithium Processing & Value Addition
Ore Concentration & Refining: Establishment of lithium processing plants for lithium value addition before export, ensuring maximum returns from the rising global demand for lithium.