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Zambia is positioning itself as a major player in the global race for energy transition minerals, as international demand for graphite, lithium, rare earth elements, and columbite-tantalite is expected to surge dramatically by the year 2040.
With electric vehicles, renewable energy technologies, and digital devices driving the need for these critical minerals, the southern African country is stepping up exploration and early-stage development in several provinces — aiming to grow exports, attract foreign investment, and create new jobs.
In the graphite sector, significant discoveries have been made in Petauke, Lundazi, and Kapiri Mposhi, with two standout high-grade sites at Mvuvye and Njoka. Other confirmed deposits include Sasare and Mkonda. One of the key companies exploring these sites, Malaika Exploration, is now moving into commercial phases, putting Zambia in a good position to meet the 130% increase in global graphite demand projected by 2040. Graphite is essential for battery production, especially in electric vehicles and energy storage systems.
For lithium, exploration is focused in the Choma Belt in Southern Province, where UK-based First Africa Metals has confirmed high-grade deposits at its Misika and Kandela projects. Additional surveys and drilling are ongoing in Tonga, Konayuma, and Rock Valley. The global lithium market is projected to grow by 350% by 2040, mainly due to its central role in EV battery manufacturing. Zambia’s potential lithium exports could significantly boost government revenue and reduce the country’s heavy dependence on copper.
Zambia’s rare earth element (REE) ambitions are also gathering steam. These minerals are vital for high-tech applications such as wind turbines, mobile phones, defence equipment, and electric motors. Global demand for rare earths is forecast to rise by 65% by 2040, and Zambia is not staying behind. Canadian firm Antler Gold is actively exploring the Kesya Project, while another company, x-RAM Traws, is pushing ahead with development at the Nkombwa Hill discovery. Analysts say these REE projects could play a big role in strengthening Zambia’s place in global clean energy supply chains.
Meanwhile, columbite-tantalite, commonly known as coltan, is also gaining attention as global demand is projected to rise by a staggering 525% by 2040. This mineral is used in electronic gadgets, aerospace components, medical equipment, and nuclear reactors. In Zambia, exploration is underway in both Southern Province, led by Maamba Collieries, and in north-eastern Zambia, where Malaika Exploration is also involved.
Experts believe Zambia’s untapped coltan reserves could help diversify the country’s mineral exports and reduce overdependence on traditional metals like copper and cobalt. If well managed, these discoveries could transform local economies, boost infrastructure development, and drive long-term industrial growth.
Mineral analysts note that the global transition away from fossil fuels has made energy transition minerals more valuable than ever before. Governments and investors are now looking to countries like Zambia for stable, long-term sources of these minerals. Zambia, with its mining-friendly policies, geological potential, and recent regulatory reforms, is in a strong position to meet this demand.
However, experts also caution that tapping into these future-facing minerals must go hand-in-hand with proper governance, environmental protections, and local community benefits. Some groups are calling for increased transparency in licensing, fair compensation for landowners, and better environmental oversight to avoid past mistakes in the mining sector.
As the 2040 global energy goals approach, Zambia’s early move into strategic mineral development could play a key role in reshaping the country’s economic future and help position it as a critical partner in the global green energy revolution.
