Source: IE
Context: The Government of India has secured a 9,000 sq. km block in Zambia for copper and cobalt exploration, marking a strategic move in securing critical minerals.
- The project will be led by the Geological Survey of India (GSI), supporting India’s clean energy and EV battery industries.
About Zambia:
- Location: Landlocked country in Southern Africa.
- Capital:
- Neighbouring Countries: Borders Angola, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Namibia.
- Geographic Features:
- Major Rivers – Zambezi River, Kafue River, Luangwa River
- Mountains – Nyika Plateau, Mafinga Hills
- Minerals – Rich in copper, cobalt, nickel, and uranium
- Copper Mine in News:
-
- Northwestern Province: India’s newly acquired copper exploration block is located here.
- Zambia is the 7th largest copper producer globally.
- Chile is the world’s largest producer of copper.
About Increasing Demand for Copper:
- Why is Copper Demand Rising?
-
- Growth of EV batteries and clean energy technologies requires large amounts of copper.
- Infrastructure development, defense, and advanced electronics fuel global demand.
- Projected supply shortage by 2035 is driving countries to secure copper reserves.
- India’s Copper Status & Existing Mines:
-
- India’s copper production has declined by 8% since 2018-19.
- Hindustan Copper Ltd (HCL) is the only government-owned producer.
- Key Copper Mines in India:
- Malanjkhand (Madhya Pradesh): Largest open-pit copper mine.
- Khetri (Rajasthan): Key underground copper mine.
- Singhbhum Belt (Jharkhand): One of the oldest copper-producing regions.
