# Zambia mining sector policy and leadership changes

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/zambia-mining-sector-policy-and-leadership-changes
> Updated: 2026-10-28T20:12:35.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2.

President Hakainde Hichilema has introduced a “use it or lose it” policy for mining licenses in Zambia. This initiative aims to prevent speculative holding of licenses by individuals and firms, ensuring mineral resources contribute to economic growth and job creation.

To support this strategy, the government has set a national target to produce three million metric tons of copper annually. This goal involves unlocking stalled projects like the Konkola Copper Mines and the Konkola Deep Mining Project, while integrating local contractors into supply chains.

In a related development to manage these ambitions, Brenda Tambatamba has been appointed as the Minister of Mines and Minerals Development. Succeeding Paul Kabuswe, Tambatamba brings industry experience from her previous role as a sustainability manager at the Lumwana copper mine.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-28: Zambia appoints Brenda Tambatamba as Mining Minister

Brenda Tambatamba has been appointed Zambia's Mining Minister, tasked with driving the nation toward a goal of 3 million tons of annual copper production by 2031.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/zambia-appoints-brenda-tambatamba-as-mining-minister

### 2026-10-20: Zambia implements “use it or lose it” mining license policy

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has introduced a “use it or lose it” policy for mining licenses to prevent speculation and aims to reach an annual copper production target of three million metric tons.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/zambia-implements-use-it-or-lose-it-mining-license-policy

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Cite as: Zambia mining sector policy and leadership changes. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/zambia-mining-sector-policy-and-leadership-changes