Copper
Zambia's main export, mined across the Copperbelt and North-Western Province.
Mining in Zambia
Mining in Zambia: an overview
Mining is the backbone of Zambia's economy. This guide covers the main minerals, the key mining provinces, and how buyers, sellers and contractors find each other.
Main minerals
Cobalt
Produced mainly as a by-product of copper mining on the Copperbelt.
Gold
Produced alongside copper at some large mines, plus smaller gold projects.
Emeralds & gemstones
Zambia is a well-known emerald producer, centred on the Copperbelt's Lufwanyama area.
Manganese
Mined in several provinces, often by small and medium-scale operators.
Aggregates
Quarries supply stone and sand for roads, construction and mine infrastructure.
Mining by province
Copperbelt Province
Zambia's historic copper heartland
Kitwe · Ndola · Chingola · Mufulira
North-Western Province
Large-scale open-pit copper and the new growth frontier
Solwezi · Kalumbila · Mwinilunga · Kasempa
Lusaka Province
Head offices, suppliers and the investment hub
Lusaka · Chongwe · Kafue · Chilanga
Central Province
Quarries, small-scale mining and the Kabwe corridor
Kabwe · Mkushi · Serenje · Kapiri Mposhi
Luapula Province
Emerging exploration and small-scale mining
Mansa · Kawambwa · Samfya · Nchelenge
Guides
- Buying used mining equipment in Zambia: a practical checklist
- Hire or buy? Choosing the right option for mining equipment
- Due diligence before buying a mine or mining licence in Zambia
MineMarket Zambia is a private marketplace, not a government agency or regulator. Always verify mining rights, licences and ownership independently with the competent Zambian authorities.