India Sends Geologists to Zambia in Bid to Secure Critical Copper and Cobalt Supplies
India has deployed a team of geologists to Zambia to explore vast deposits of copper and cobalt, two essential raw materials driving the global energy transition, according to Indian government sources.
The exploration marks a significant step in India’s broader strategy to diversify and secure its critical mineral supply chain, especially as demand for electric vehicle (EV) batteries, renewable energy infrastructure, and advanced electronics accelerates.
The Zambian government has allocated 9,000 square kilometers (roughly 3,475 square miles) to India for a three-year exploration program focused on cobalt and copper. The majority of geological testing and mineral analysis will be conducted in Indian laboratories, with multiple field visits planned by Indian experts throughout the duration of the project.
Should the results indicate significant resource potential, India will apply for a mining lease from Zambia and may invite private Indian mining companies to participate, according to the sources.
Why Copper and Cobalt Matter
Copper and cobalt are essential to powering the clean energy revolution:
- Copper is widely used in electric wiring, grid infrastructure, electronics, and renewable energy systems.
- Cobalt is a key component in lithium-ion batteries used in EVs, smartphones, and energy storage.
India, the world’s most populous nation, has set ambitious targets to transition to renewable energy and electrify its transportation sector. However, it remains highly dependent on imports for both metals:
- India imported 1.2 million metric tonnes of copper in the fiscal year ending March 2025, a 4% increase from the previous year.
- Cobalt oxide imports rose 20% to 693 metric tonnes during the same period.
India’s exploration in Zambia is part of a wider push by New Delhi to secure mineral rights across Africa, Latin America, and Australia as nations compete to lock down access to essential materials amid tightening global supply.
India is currently in talks with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to secure additional supplies of cobalt and copper. A government delegation visited Congolese mines last month, and a formal agreement is under negotiation, according to India’s Ministry of Mines.
The latest developments underscore growing concern in New Delhi about its exposure to global supply shocks, especially in light of market volatility, geopolitical rivalries, and competition from China and Western economies for strategic minerals.
India’s renewed interest in overseas mining rights comes as the country faces structural supply challenges at home, including the closure of Vedanta’s Sterlite Copper smelter in 2018, which significantly reduced domestic processing capacity.
The Indian Ministry of Mines has been leading efforts to coordinate public and private sector outreach in mineral-rich regions. However, critics warn that such deals must be sustainable and transparent, especially in African countries with histories of extractive exploitation and governance challenges.
Zambia, one of Africa’s leading copper producers, has been actively courting foreign investment in its mining sector. The government has expressed openness to partnering with strategic allies who can support its own ambitions to boost industrialization and value addition.
What’s Next?
- The Indian geological team is expected to return to Zambia for additional site visits later this year.
- Based on the findings, a decision will be made on whether to pursue commercial mining operations.
- India may use its presence in Zambia as a launchpad for wider mineral diplomacy across Southern and Central Africa.
Key Takeaways:
- India has launched a three-year exploration project in Zambia covering 9,000 km² of copper and cobalt-rich land.
- The initiative is part of India’s strategic push to secure critical minerals for its energy transition.
- New Delhi is also pursuing similar deals in Congo, Latin America, and Australia.
- India’s copper and cobalt import dependency is growing, intensifying the need for overseas sourcing.
As the global energy race intensifies, India’s strategic foray into Zambia’s mineral wealth highlights a new era of mineral diplomacy—where securing the raw materials of the future may define not just industrial competitiveness, but geopolitical clout.
