The Market Case
Why Zambia
A U.S.-led mining market scaling fast — modernized law, real incentives, and U.S. financing tools, anchored by a copper sector heading toward 3 million tonnes.
The Opportunity
A U.S.-led market with room to grow
The story in Zambia is not "China dominates, America is absent." It is the opposite. U.S. and Western firms and capital lead the sector — and the delegation is your route into an existing wave with room to grow.
Join an existing, U.S.-led wave
U.S. and Western firms hold over 80% of Zambia's copper production market share, dwarfing China's roughly 16%. Of the $12B invested in Zambian mining over the last four years, $8–9B is U.S./Western capital — including a recent $3B commitment to a single landmark project.
China is the legacy, not the trajectory
China runs roughly half of Zambia's large-scale copper mines — many of low or unknown value — and its illicit-mining activity poses challenges for U.S./Western investors. The new wave of capital is predominantly American and Western. The opportunity is to join a U.S.-led market, not to enter a Chinese-controlled one.
A modernized legal framework
The 2024 Mines Act modernizes Zambia’s licensing regime. It repossesses under- and non-performing licenses for re-issue to active operators, strengthens investor protections, and adds local-content requirements. For capable U.S. operators and their backers, it creates a clear, lawful pathway to quality ground that is currently underdeveloped.
Incentives that improve the economics
Zambia offers tax holidays and duty-free importation of capital equipment, materially improving project and procurement economics for incoming operators and equipment suppliers alike.
U.S. tools that de-risk entry
U.S.-aligned capital is supported by a financing stack built for exactly this kind of deployment: the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), and the Export-Import Bank (EXIM). The U.S.-backed Lobito Corridor adds an Atlantic export route for Zambian minerals, shortening the path to Western markets.
A convening moment
The Insaka Mining Investment Summit, officiated by the President of the Republic of Zambia, convenes government leaders, mining companies, investors, project developers, service providers, and policy stakeholders — the full market in one place, during the delegation’s week on the ground.
Critical Minerals
Eleven critical minerals, one destination
Zambia has designated 11 critical minerals — multi-commodity optionality anchored by a copper sector scaling toward 3 million tonnes by 2031.
Copper
FlagshipElectrification, grid, EVs
Cobalt
EstablishedBatteries, superalloys
Graphite
DevelopingBattery anodes
Lithium
DevelopingEV batteries, storage
Manganese
DevelopingSteel, battery chemistries
Nickel
EmergingBatteries, stainless steel
Rare Earth Elements
EmergingMagnets, defense, electronics
Tin
EstablishedSolder, electronics
Tantalum / Niobium
EstablishedCapacitors, aerospace alloys
Sugilite
SpecialtyRare gemstone — Zambia a notable source
Uranium
EmergingNuclear energy fuel
Who Should Join
Built for three kinds of company
The delegation is assembled for U.S. mining operators, equipment and service companies, and investment firms — each with a distinct path to value in Zambia.
Mining Operators
Exploration, junior, and mid-sized U.S. operators positioning inside Zambia's copper expansion.
Mining Operators →Equipment & Service Companies
Manufacturers, distributors, and specialty service providers meeting real, growing mine demand.
Equipment & Services →Investment Firms & Funds
Critical-minerals, energy-transition, and Africa-mandate funds seeking vetted deal flow.
Investment Firms →Register Your Interest
Join the delegation to Zambia
usminingmissions.com
Delegate spots are limited and selectively offered. This form expresses interest only and does not commit your company.
Questions? Brent.Klepko@trade.gov