LUSAKA, April 16 – India’s talks with Zambia over access to critical minerals have stalled, as Lusaka is yet to provide assurances on mining rights, according to sources familiar with the discussions.
The negotiations is focused on a 9,000 square kilometre exploration area allocated to India last year, covering cobalt and copper deposits with both minerals being critical inputs for electric vehicle batteries, electronics and power infrastructure.
India had deployed a team of geologists to Zambia, who have since returned with mineral samples including cobalt and copper. The exploration programme was scheduled to run for three years, after which India planned to invite private firms to participate, subject to securing mining rights.
However, progress has slowed amid uncertainty over Zambia’s position with efforts ongoing to resume discussions, although the outcome remains unclear.
India has in recent months stepped up engagement with resource-rich countries across Africa, while also exploring opportunities in Australia and Latin America to secure critical mineral supplies.
The push comes as domestic demand continues to rise. India’s copper imports climbed to 1.2 million metric tons in the fiscal year ending March 2025, marking a 4% increase from the previous year following the 2018 closure of Vedanta’s Sterlite Copper smelter.
Cobalt imports have also increased, with shipments of cobalt oxide rising by 20% to 693 metric tons over the same period, according to government data.
