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In a bid to unlock Zambia's potential for sustainable growth, the programme, backed by the UK Government, has been collaborating with partners in Low and Middle Income Countries. This initiative aims to foster growth while curbing carbon emissions, aligning economic prosperity with environmental responsibility.

In February 2024, researchers from the ISR visited Zambia as a part of the CCG programme. Rebecca Clube isÌýResearch Fellow here at the UCLÌýInstitute for Sustainable Resources and she co-hosted a workshop of experts in Lusaka to present the findings of a comprehensive study on critical minerals specific to Zambia.ÌýJoined by local partnerÌýMwansa Matokwani of Ìýand Karla Cervantes Barron of Cambridge University, the workshop drew a range of stakeholders, includingÌýNGOs, industry representatives andÌýacademics including fellow UCLÌýInstitute for Sustainable Resources researchersÌýJim Watson and Julia Tomei.Ìý

Image: Group photo of the Zambian workshop participants, February 2024

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Traditionally, copper and cobalt have been the backbone of Zambia’s economy, constituting over 70% of its export earnings. With the Zambian government's ambitious plans to increase copper productionÌýto , from 760,000 tonnes in 2022,ÌýZambia’s economic trajectory is intimately tied to mining.

The surging demand for critical minerals due to the renewable energy transition has brought with it a huge increase inÌýglobal interest in the field. forecasts a continuous surge in demand for major metals until 2050, with copper demand expected to soar by 140% relative to 2010 levels. To ensureÌýthisÌýgrowing demand for critical minerals hasÌýa positive impact on the Zambian economy, the researchÌýindicates the need for a stringent, environmentally sound policy approach that is also appealing to international investors.

The workshop discussions shed light on health, safety, and environmental impacts associated with mining activities, including deforestation, biodiversity loss, and ecosystem disruptions. In exploring these challenges, the workshopÌýpaved the way for context-relevant policy recommendations whichÌýshould help steer Zambia towards a more sustainable and equitable future, ensuring growth that is not just lucrative but also environmentally and socially responsible. WeÌýlookÌýforward to sharing the published policy-recommendations in due course.

Links

• Read Metehan Ciftci's paper on this subjectÌý- .
• Find out more about the work ofÌýRebecca Clube - .
• Find out more about the work ofÌýJim Watson - .
• Find out more about the work ofÌýJulia Tomei - .
• Find out more about the work ofÌýMetehan Ciftci - .

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