Zambia remains one of Africa’s most important mining destinations, with copper, cobalt, gold, manganese, and gemstone production shaping the nation’s economic backbone. The country’s mining sector continues to attract investments, expand production, and create thousands of jobs across provinces such as Copperbelt, North-Western, Central, and Lusaka. This 2025 guide provides a comprehensive look at the Top 20 mining companies in Zambia, covering major producers, emerging players, and their contributions to the economy.

Mining is not just an industrial activity—it is a defining pillar of Zambia’s national identity, with large-scale operations powering everything from infrastructure development to employment creation. The companies listed below are among the best-performing and most influential in the sector.

1. First Quantum Minerals (FQM) – Kansanshi & Sentinel Mines

FQM dominates the Zambian mining landscape with two of the largest copper mines in Africa. Kansanshi Mine in Solwezi remains a world-class producer of copper and gold, while Sentinel Mine at Kalumbila is known for its modern processing technology.

2. Konkola Copper Mines (KCM)

Located in Chingola and Chililabombwe, KCM remains one of the country’s most recognized mining companies. Its Konkola Deep Mining Project (KDMP) is one of the deepest underground mines in the world.

3. Mopani Copper Mines (MCM)

With operations in Kitwe and Mufulira, Mopani is a key copper and cobalt producer. The government’s involvement has strengthened operational stability and long-term sustainability.

4. Barrick Gold – Lumwana Mine

Lumwana is one of Africa’s largest open-pit copper mines. Barrick continues investing in technology, workforce training, and sustainable mining initiatives.

5. Lubambe Copper Mine

Based in Chililabombwe, Lubambe is known for its high-grade copper deposits and expansion plans aimed at boosting production in the coming years.

6. Chibuluma Mines

Although smaller in scale, Chibuluma remains one of the most consistent copper producers. It is recognized for safety excellence and environmental management.

7. NFC Africa Mining Plc

A joint venture with Chinese partners, NFC operates the Chambishi Copper Mine and contributes significantly to the growth of the Copperbelt.

8. CNMC Luanshya Copper Mines (CLM)

Operating the Baluba Mine and Muliashi Project, CLM remains a major copper and cobalt producer with strong ties to the local workforce.

9. Zambezi Portland Cement (Mining Division)

While primarily known for cement production, the company mines limestone and other raw materials essential for national construction projects.

10. Grizzly Mining Limited

One of the most dominant players in the gemstone sector, Grizzly Mining exports high-quality emeralds from Lufwanyama.

11. Kagem Mining Limited

Owned jointly by Gemfields and the Zambian government, Kagem is the world’s single largest emerald-producing mine.

12. Musamu Resources

A rising manganese and copper producer, Musamu is known for sustainable mining practices and community-support programs.

13. Jubilee Metals Group

Focused primarily on copper and cobalt tailings reprocessing, Jubilee has expanded its footprint in Zambia through smart recovery projects.

14. Maamba Collieries Limited

Zambia’s largest coal producer, Maamba supplies energy to the national grid and remains essential for power generation.

15. Manganese Metal Company Zambia

A well-recognized producer of high-grade manganese, supplying both domestic and export markets.

16. Consolidated Mining and Investments (CMI)

Known for diversified mining projects including gold, base metals, and industrial minerals.

17. Kasenseli Gold Mine (Government Directed)

An increasingly strategic gold mine that plays a vital role in building Zambia’s gold reserves.

18. Kalumbila Minerals

A sister operation to FQM’s Sentinel Mine, focusing on mineral exploration and long-term resource development.

19. Zambia Gold Company Limited

A government-owned entity tasked with formalizing the gold sector and increasing national gold output.

20. Mwinilunga Minerals

Specializes in gold, manganese, and small-scale copper mining, contributing significantly to local employment.

Mining & Education: A Link Often Overlooked

Interestingly, Zambia’s mining sector connects closely with education and career development. Many young people looking to join the mining industry rely heavily on academic tools and online resources. Just as outlined in the recent guide “How to Check Your Grade 12 Results Online in Zambia,” students today can access their academic records instantly and prepare for mining-related careers with ease.

Likewise, career entrants needing guidance on preparing job applications in the mining sector often refer to resources such as “How to Write a CV for Zambian Employers (With Free PDF Format)”, which has helped thousands craft professional CVs suitable for top mining firms across the country.

Both of these previous articles support Zambia’s future workforce—many of whom aspire to join the mining industry represented by the top companies listed above.

UrbanObserver

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