India sends geologists to Zambia

Zambian mine. Photo: India Mining website

India has dispatched a team of geologists to Zambia to explore copper and cobalt deposits. The plan is to secure critical minerals essential for India’s energy transition and industrial expansion. Reuters reports that under a government-to-government deal, Zambia has granted India rights to explore approximately 9,000 km² in its resource-rich Copperbelt region. 

The exploration drive is led by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and aligns with New Delhi’s broader National Critical Minerals Mission. This initiative seeks to reduce India’s reliance on imports from dominant players like China by diversifying the sources of key raw materials used in electric vehicles, renewable energy infrastructure, and advanced electronics.

Reuters reports that the Indian team will carry out extensive field mapping, rock sampling, and geophysical surveys over the next three years. Laboratory analyses will be conducted back in India to determine the commercial viability of the mineral deposits. If successful, the Indian government may proceed to negotiate mining leases, potentially involving private sector partnerships to extract and process the minerals.

This move into Zambia follows similar diplomatic and exploration efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, and Australia. The Zambian government, which is keen to revitalise its mining sector, views India’s involvement as a positive development that could bring investment, employment, and technological expertise to the region.

Meanwhile, industry analysts note that this collaboration underscores India’s strategic ambition to play a more influential role in the global clean energy economy by securing upstream access to essential raw materials.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Moreover, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi will make a state visit to Namibia on 9 July, hosted by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. The visit will focus on strengthening bilateral ties through agreements in trade, education, health, ICT, and the environment. Modi is also expected to address a joint session of Parliament and visit Heroes’ Acre.