Zambia launches gold joint venture as mining sector outlook turns positive

Zambia’s state‑owned ZCCM Investments Holdings has created Kyalo Goldfields Limited (KGL) as a 51‑%‑owned joint venture to formalise artisanal gold mining in the Kikonge area of the North‑Western Province. The partner, a miner of tin, tantalum and tungsten operating in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo, will hold the remaining 49 %. KGL will develop processing facilities to keep more value inside the country and signals a push to diversify Zambia’s economy beyond its traditional copper base.

At the same time, SR K Consulting argues that Zambia’s mining sector is entering a period of strong growth. The firm highlights the government’s new online mining cadastre, supportive legislation, stable politics and strategic location on upgraded regional rail corridors. Plans are under way to raise refined copper output from about 890,000 t to three million t by 2031 and to map under‑explored areas for copper, cobalt, lithium, nickel and rare‑earth minerals. SR K is opening a practice in Kitwe to assist incoming investors and to ensure compliance with international standards such as the Copper Mark and GISTM.