Zambia implements “use it or lose it” mining license policy

President Hakainde Hichilema has announced a “use it or lose it” policy regarding mining licenses in Zambia to prevent wealthy individuals and extraction firms from holding licenses for speculative purposes. Speaking at the 2026 Zambia Mining and Investment Insaka in Lusaka, Hichilema emphasized that the government will enforce this policy to ensure mineral wealth drives economic growth and job creation.

The President set a national target of producing three million metric tons of copper annually. To reach this, the government aims to unlock stalled projects, such as the Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) and the Konkola Deep Mining Project (KDMP), which are expected to contribute 300,000 tonnes toward the goal. He also highlighted the importance of integrating local contractors and young people into supply chains, citing the Lumwana Mine and the Kansanshi Mine expansion as successful models.

Zambia remains a focal point for international competition due to its status as the second-largest copper producer in sub-Saharan Africa. Major global players are actively competing for influence through various deals, including a US$2.49 billion health pact with the United States, China’s US$1.4 billion TAZARA rail concession, and Abu Dhabi’s International Resources Holding (IRH) holding a 51% stake in the Mopani copper mine.