Zambia is the second-largest cobalt producer in Africa and the third-largest globally, with production concentrated in the Copperbelt Province. Zambian cobalt is primarily produced as a by-product of copper mining, with major operations including Mopani Copper Mines, Konkola Copper Mines (KCM), and the Chambishi Metals refinery.
Risk Profile
Zambia presents a significantly lower risk profile than the DRC for cobalt sourcing. The country is not classified as a conflict-affected area under OECD definitions, has a functioning legal and regulatory framework for mining, and has a predominantly large-scale industrial mining sector with limited ASM activity. However, environmental compliance issues, particularly acid mine drainage and tailings management, remain concerns at some operations.
Key Operations
| Operation | Operator | Cobalt Output |
|---|---|---|
| Mopani Copper Mines | ZCCM-IH / Glencore | ~3,000 t Co/yr |
| Chambishi Metals | ENRC / ZCCM-IH | ~3,500 t Co/yr |
| Konkola Copper Mines | Vedanta / ZCCM-IH | ~1,500 t Co/yr |
Regulatory Environment
The Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) and the Mines Safety Department (MSD) regulate mining operations. Zambia is a signatory to the ICGLR Regional Certification Mechanism and has implemented the OECD Due Diligence Guidance through national policy frameworks.