Copper mining expansion drives economic shifts in Botswana and Zambia

Botswana is diversifying its mining sector by shifting focus from diamonds toward copper, silver, and other critical minerals. To support this, the government is implementing new regulations to increase local processing, citizen ownership, and environmental rehabilitation. A key component of this strategy is a 13 billion pula ($900 million) expansion of the Khoemacau copper mine by MMG, a subsidiary of China Minmetals. This expansion aims to increase annual copper output to 130,000 metric tons by early 2028 and is expected to create thousands of jobs.

In Zambia, the push to reach a copper production target of three million tonnes annually by 2031 presents significant logistical hurdles. Industry experts note that mining and transport infrastructure planning have historically occurred in isolation, leading to concerns regarding readiness for increased volumes. The challenge extends beyond the metal itself, as the production of copper requires massive quantities of inputs like lime and sulphur, potentially increasing total freight demand to between 10 million and 12 million tonnes.