The Democratic Republic of the Congo maintains its position at the top of Africa’s copper hierarchy. With roughly 30,000 tonnes of identified reserves, the DRC remains the continent’s largest exporter of copper, with China and the UAE among its biggest destinations.

Exports to China alone are valued in the hundreds of millions of dollars annually, underscoring the critical role Congolese copper plays in global manufacturing and clean energy supply chains.

The importance of the DRC’s copper sector is more than anecdotal. According to broader market research, the country accounted for around $19.8 billion in copper exports in recent years, more than double that of its nearest African competitor, Zambia, and serves as a linchpin for key global markets in Asia and the Middle East.

Zambia follows closely as Africa’s second most significant copper exporter, with around 20,000 tonnes of reserves. Major consumers for Zambian copper include Switzerland and China, reflecting deep integration into European and Asian metal markets.

Copper is central to Zambia’s economy, making up about 70% of total export earnings and fuelling broader economic activity at home. Mines such as Kansanshi and Lumwana have been long-standing pillars of production in the region, supporting both local industry and foreign trade.

South Africa and Namibia round out the list of Africa’s key copper exporters, with 13,000 and 11,000 tonnes of reserves, respectively. India and China are among South Africa’s principal export markets, while Belgium and Germany figure prominently in Namibia’s trade mix.

Though smaller in volume than the DRC or Zambia, both countries contribute significantly to regional supply chains and are positioning themselves for future growth through exploration and mining partnerships.

Copper is not ordinary but an essential in renewable energy systems, electric vehicles, telecommunications and industrial infrastructure, sectors that are expected to drive demand for decades. Africa’s copper reserves, particularly in the DRC and Zambia, sit along the great African Copperbelt, a mineral belt that runs from the Copperbelt Province of Zambia into the mineral-rich regions of southeastern DRC.

The African Minerals Development Centre (AMDC), established by the African Union to implement the Africa Mining Vision, frames this resource wealth not just as a source of export earnings but as a foundation for industrial transformation. The Centre’s mandate encourages policies that promote value addition, responsible mining, and the strategic use of revenues to support sustainable development across the continent.

With 190 million tonnes of copper reserves, the country's copper deposits, especially the vast porphyry systems in the Atacama Desert, have underpinned its position as the world’s top producer for decades. In 2024, Chile accounted for roughly a quarter of global mine copper output.

Behind Chile, Australia and Peru are tied with around 100 million tonnes of copper reserves each.

South Australia’s copper industry saw strong growth in 2025, with export revenues reaching approximately US$2.19 billion , an increase of around 16 per cent on the previous year, according to state government figures.

The state holds close to 70% of Australia’s economic copper reserves, cementing its position at the heart of the nation’s supply chain.

Peru’s copper wealth comes largely from Andean mountain deposits, including major mines such as Cerro Verde and Antamina. The mining sector is a cornerstone of Peru’s economy, contributing significantly to exports and employment.

Finalising the top five are the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Russia, each estimated to hold about 80 million tonnes of copper reserves.

In the DRC, vast mineral potential has drawn major mining investments, though operations have faced logistical and political challenges. The country is better known for cobalt, another key battery metal, but its copper assets are substantial and increasingly strategic.

Russia, too, has sizeable reserves mainly in Siberia and the Far East. While its copper industry is less export-oriented than those of Chile or Peru, it remains important for domestic manufacturing and metal supply.

An S&P Global study suggests global copper production could face a shortfall of about 10 million metric tonnes by 2040, roughly 24% of expected demand. While consumption is forecast to rise sharply, supply growth is limited by the long lead times and high investment costs required to bring new mines into operation.

Even though recycled copper volumes are expected to more than double over the same period, S&P warns the gap could become a “systemic risk” for industries that depend heavily on the metal.

The data shows that identified copper deposits, that is, those already discovered but not yet mined, contain about 2.1 billion metric tons of the metal. When added to what’s already been produced, the total discovered copper comes to about 2.8 billion metric tons.

Here’s where it gets even more remarkable:

In other words, only about 11 % of the planet’s estimated copper has actually been mined so far.

Moreso, copper matters because it’s a foundational material for everything from electrical wiring and plumbing to renewable energy systems and electric vehicle batteries. Its conductivity, durability and recyclability make it indispensable to modern infrastructure.

That’s why demand has surged in recent years, driven by technologies linked to electrification, green energy, electric vehicles and even artificial intelligence infrastructure, all of which rely heavily on copper.

According to industry reports, global demand for copper could grow significantly over the next decade as the clean energy transition accelerates.

Where the world’s copper is found

While a massive amount of copper remains undiscovered, the majority of identified reserves are concentrated in a handful of countries:

Despite copper’s critical role in the global economy, recent exploration activity has struggled to uncover new major deposits. An analysis by S&P Global found that between 1990 and 2023, 239 copper deposits meeting strict size thresholds were identified, containing roughly 1.315 billion metric tons of copper. However, the number of discoveries in recent years has been declining.

He said that the US will take Greenland “one way or the other” to prevent Russia or China from doing the same on Sunday, January 11.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has warned that any attempt by the U.S. to seize Greenland would effectively destroy NATO, given that both Denmark and Greenland are members of the alliance.

“If the United States chooses to attack another NATO country militarily, then everything stops. That is, including our NATO and thus the security that has been provided since the end of the Second World War,” Frederiksen told Danish broadcaster TV2.

This is the second time Trump has threatened to take the Island since he started his second term in January 2025. You may have wondered, "Why Greenland?"

Greenland hosts a wide range of minerals that modern economies depend on. Although copper and gold remain fundamental to construction, electronics and finance, the country also boasts graphite, rare earths , nickel, iron ore and zinc that stretch along its coasts.

Graphite and nickel are increasingly critical for batteries , electric vehicles and renewable energy systems. Iron ore and zinc support heavy industry, while rare earth elements play a central role in wind turbines, advanced electronics and defence technologies.

Geological surveys show that many of these resources are concentrated in distinct zones, particularly in southern and western Greenland, reflecting the island’s unique and ancient rock formations.

What makes Greenland especially significant is not just the presence of common metals, but the breadth of strategically important ones as well.

Studies indicate that Greenland contains a large share of the minerals classified by the European Union as critical raw materials. These are essential resources for economic security, yet they are vulnerable to supply disruptions.

Rare earth elements, in particular, have attracted global attention because production is currently dominated by a small number of countries, leaving Europe and North America exposed to geopolitical risk.

However, here’s the thing: mineral wealth on paper does not automatically translate into mining success. Greenland’s mining sector remains small, and only a limited number of projects have moved beyond exploration.

Environmental regulation plays a major role. The government’s ban on uranium mining, for example, has stalled or cancelled several rare earth projects because uranium often occurs alongside those minerals. Legal disputes and investor uncertainty have followed, slowing development further.

Still, progress is happening. One notable example is the Amitsoq graphite project , which recently secured a long-term mining permit with backing from the European Union. If developed as planned, it could supply high-grade graphite for lithium-ion batteries and help reduce Europe’s reliance on external suppliers.

Beyond economics, Greenland’s mineral map has geopolitical weight. As competition over critical minerals intensifies, the island’s location between Europe and North America makes it strategically important. Interest from major powers is driven not only by commercial opportunity but also by concerns about supply chain resilience in an increasingly fractured global economy.

BMI , a Fitch Solutions research firm, is projecting growth of 5.4% in 2025 and a dramatic jump to 7.4% in 2026, easily outpacing many of Zambia’s regional peers.

Inflation, which peaked at 16.8% in February, has eased to 12.3% by September, boosting household purchasing power.

Meanwhile, agriculture continues to recover strongly and hydroelectric production is improving the electricity supply, a long-standing pain point for businesses. But the single most important driver is copper, Zambia’s flagship export. Major mine expansions and foreign-backed investments are expected to push copper production up 10% next year, compared to a 6% rise this year.

“With copper prices climbing and production ramping up, Zambia is well positioned to ride a powerful commodity wave,” BMI analysts noted.

BMI forecasts a 150 basis point cut to the policy rate, down to 13% by year-end, as inflation stabilises within the 6 - 8% target range.

Cheaper credit would encourage household consumption and enable private sector investment, helping spread the benefits of growth beyond the mining belt.

Chile leads with about 5.3 million tonnes of copper mined in 2024 and 2025, more than any other country. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has rocketed into second place with roughly 3.3 million tonnes, while Peru follows at 2.6 million tonnes, trailed by China and Indonesia (1.8 million and 1.1 million tonnes, respectively).

These figures align with production estimates compiled by the United States Geological Survey .

According to the USGS’s Mineral Commodity Summaries 2025 , Chile holds 190 metric tonnes in reserves , making it a cornerstone of global supply. The DRC's reserves are also estimated at 80 metric tonnes, underpinning its long‑term potential.

Peru mined 2.6 metric tonnes of copper and holds 100 metric tonnes in reserves. China , meanwhile, produced about 1.8 metric tonnes and maintains 41 metric tonnes of reserves. China’s domestic production has increased by 277 % over three decades.

The USGS estimates world copper reserves at about 980 million tonnes, with mine production reaching ~23 million tonnes in 2024. Identified resources contain 1.5 billion tonnes of unextracted copper, and undiscovered resources could hold another 3.5 billion tonnes.

These numbers highlight both the abundance of copper and the challenges of extracting it economically.

Copper demand is accelerating due to growth in electric vehicles, renewable‑energy installations and data-centre infrastructure . While Chile and Peru still account for roughly one‑third of global output, the DRC’s surge underscores how shifting investment patterns and geopolitical factors can rapidly reshape supply chains.

With world copper reserves concentrated in a few countries and production often vulnerable to social and environmental disruptions, analysts warn that supply bottlenecks could emerge during the energy transition.

U.S. President Donald Trump is pushing to relax visa restrictions for Argentinians, acknowledging a growing alliance with Argentine President Javier Milei. The move is widely interpreted as a diplomatic reward for Milei’s vocal support of Trump’s policies and ideological stance. However, according to a U.S. State Department cable, Argentina still fails to meet a critical requirement of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program: a sufficiently low visa rejection rate. Critics argue the policy shift is politically motivated and could spark debate over merit-based immigration policies. Regardless, the effort signals a strengthening of U.S.-Argentina ties under right-leaning leadership.

Tax Reform

In a bid to strengthen fiscal stability and governance, the World Bank has approved a US$300 million project to modernize Argentina’s tax administration. The program aims to simplify tax processes, boost transparency, and improve compliance—all key to tackling Argentina’s long-standing issues with tax evasion and bureaucratic inefficiency. The reform is expected to reduce administrative costs and strengthen the government's capacity to collect and manage revenue effectively. It’s a strategic move to lay the groundwork for longer-term economic recovery amid ongoing inflation and public debt challenges.

Global Green Award

Toyota Argentina has been awarded a global sustainability prize by Schneider Electric for its significant achievements in environmental stewardship. The company has successfully reduced its carbon dioxide emissions by 57%, switched entirely to renewable electricity, and implemented innovative solutions to lower environmental impact across its operations. This recognition positions Toyota Argentina as a leader in sustainable manufacturing in Latin America. It also aligns with global trends in the auto industry, where green practices are increasingly becoming a benchmark for competitiveness and investment attractiveness.

Copper drilling project

Kobrea Exploration Corp., a Canadian-based mining company, has been given the go-ahead to begin a maiden drilling program at its El Perdido property in northern Argentina. The company, which holds a 100% earn-in option on the site, has completed the construction of both an access road and a temporary camp. This marks a major step forward in unlocking what could be a high-value copper deposit, as global demand for the metal surges due to its essential role in electric vehicles and renewable energy systems. Argentina, with its mineral-rich terrain, is positioning itself as a serious player in the global mining sector.

First Corn Cargo to China

Argentina is set to export corn to China next month for the first time since Beijing formally cleared Argentine corn for import in 2023. The development is seen as a breakthrough in agricultural trade relations between the two nations, strengthening Argentina’s role as a key global grain supplier. It reflects broader shifts in global supply chains as China diversifies its import sources amid geopolitical tensions and climate-related agricultural disruptions. For Argentina, this milestone not only opens new revenue streams but also enhances its visibility in Asia’s growing food markets.

The government says this is part of a plan to develop new mineral resources, Barrons reports.

This makes Niger one of the countries that produces copper, a metal used in making electronics, construction materials, and other everyday items.

The new mine is expected to produce about 2,700 tonnes of copper every year for ten years. Officials say this could create around 300 jobs and bring in millions of dollars for the country. Copper is currently selling for about $9,000 per tonne.

Alongside the copper project, the government has also approved a small-scale lithium mining operation. The permit has been given to a Nigerien company, Compagnie Miniere de Recherche et d’Exploitation (Comirex SA), in the Agadez region. Production is expected to reach 300 tonnes per year for five years.

The Nigerien state owns 25 percent of the copper mining company and 40 percent of the lithium mining company.

This move is part of the military government’s push to take more control of the country’s natural resources since coming to power in July 2023.

In another major decision , the government has taken back a lithium mining permit from the French company Orano, which had been in Niger for 50 years.

Orano was working at the Imouraren site, which is said to have 200,000 tonnes of uranium. The company has criticised the government’s decision, saying it was forced out.

Niger already produces uranium, gold, and oil. The new copper and lithium projects are part of its effort to increase mining activities and bring in more money for the country.

This reddish-orange metal, often overlooked in favour of more captivating resources like gold or lithium, is ready to play a vital role in powering the modern world.

According to an IMF projection, 39.1 million tonnes of copper will be demanded by 2040 against 25.9 million tonnes in 2023.

Oil on the other is expected to see a sharp decline by 2040 with 66 million barrels per day against the 101.9 million barrels produced every day in 2023.

Why Copper?

Copper is a crucial component in electrical wiring, circuits, and motors. As the world transitions to electric vehicles and renewable energy sources, copper demand is expected to surge.

Copper is extensively used in solar panels, wind turbines, and other renewable energy technologies. As these technologies become increasingly prevalent, copper will play a vital role in their development and deployment.

“The association will contribute to Zambia’s three million tonnes copper production strategy,” said Kabuswe in a speech delivered on his behalf by Tobias Musonda, Director of Planning and Communication. 

The new association, CMEAZ, will also function as a collaboration platform, supporting Chinese mining companies operating in Zambia to deepen their partnerships and cooperative efforts with the country.

Chinese Ambassador to Zambia, Han Jing, emphasised the longstanding relationship between Zambia and Chinese enterprises. "Companies from China have made significant investments of over $3.5 billion over the past 25 years," he stated.

Zambia’s mining sector remains critical to the national economy, producing copper and other essential minerals. The Ministry of Finance and National Planning reports that in the first quarter of 2024, mining contributed 15.6% to Zambia’s total economic output, maintaining its position as the second-largest contributor to the nation’s GDP for both 2023 and early 2024. Globally, Zambia ranks as the 10th largest copper producer, holding this position consistently in 2022 and 2023.

The mining sector is a cornerstone of Zambia's economic foundation, contributing 17.5% to the nation's GDP and constituting over 70% of its foreign exchange earnings as of 2021. The export of copper, a key commodity, is crucial in this context. Recognising Zambia's potential, leading mining corporations have made substantial investments. In October 2023, Barrick Gold Corporation allocated nearly $2 billion to enhance copper output at the Lumwana mine. Preceding this, First Quantum Minerals Ltd. announced a $1.35 billion investment spread over two decades for the Kansanshi mine, coupled with a forward-thinking solar and wind power initiative to energise its operations.

US denies claims it is militarising Zambia

General Michael Langley, the leader of U.S. Africa Command, refuted allegations on Thursday made by officials from the Zimbabwean government. The claims suggested that the U.S. was planning to establish a military base in Zambia and relocate AFRICOM's operations from Germany. During an online media briefing, General Langley dismissed the assertions of the United States setting up a base in Zambia, as reported by VOA . “That's absolutely false,” Langley said from an African Chiefs of Defense Conference in Botswana. “We have no bases in Zambia. We have no plans to put one there.”

Stakeholders propose a revision of PAYE

The NGOCC has put forward a suggestion to raise the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) threshold from USD212 to USD229 in the upcoming 2025 national budget. Additionally, the NGOCC recommends decreasing the PAYE tax rate from 37% to 35%. During the National Consultations for the 2025 Budget and the 2025-2027 Medium Term Budget Plan, the NGOCC presented a case for this increase, stating it would alleviate the economic strain on low-income families, particularly those headed by women. The proposal aims to adjust the lowest income band threshold to $229, which would help ease the financial challenges faced by these vulnerable groups. Furthermore, the NGOCC is advocating for a reduction in the maximum tax rate to support this demographic, reports News Diggers .

AI framework in the pipeline

The Zambian government is developing an artificial intelligence (AI) framework , as disclosed by Felix Mutati, the Minister of Science and Technology. The government is also working in partnership with the Tony Blair Institute to craft a strategy for AI. Minister Mutati announced via social media that the revision of the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act is underway, marking an important move towards enabling the implementation of AI. This development was publicized at an AI conference held in Lusaka.

Copper prices hit US$10,129

ZAMSTATS has reported a significant 22.6% rise in export earnings from refined copper, reaching K19.2 billion in May 2024, up from K15.7 billion the previous month. Additionally, Statistician General Goodson Sinyenga of ZamStats has indicated that May 2024 saw a boost in agricultural product exports, climbing to K2.1 billion from K1.2 billion in April 2024. During the dissemination of the May bulletin, Sinyenga noted an increase in copper prices on the London Metal Exchange Market, with figures rising to US$ 10,129.1 per metric tonne in May 2024, up from US$9,482.4 in April 2024, as reported by News Diggers .

“The Chinese side wants to use the PPP model to invest over US$1 billion in the coming years,” Xiaohui is quoted by the South China Morning Post .

A technical and inspection team further presented a report on the assessment of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority as part of efforts to kick-start the project.

Zambia's Transport Minister, Frank Tayali, expressed enthusiasm about the report, highlighting that Chinese experts would be collaborating with Zambian labour based on the recommendations outlined in the inspection report.

The initiation of the reconstruction project dates back to 2022, following Chinese President Xi Jinping’s promise to rehabilitate the railway as a symbol of his country’s continued friendship on the African continent.

The Tazara railway, originally constructed in the 1970s with Chinese assistance, has been a crucial artery for transportation in the region. However, over the years, the infrastructure has faced challenges, necessitating substantial investments for its modernization and revitalization.

KoBold Metals, a pioneering exploration company based in California backed by billionaires including  Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos in joint partnership with the Zambia government made the discovery.

"Mingomba will be one of the world's biggest high-grade large copper mines. It is Kakula scale in size and grade. And the core of it is >5% copper," Goldman said in a statement shared by KoBold Metals social media account on X.

Goldman said the $2 billion mine project will be constructed at its Mingomba project faster and ahead of schedule compared to the initial ten-year projection. The decision to fast-track the project is intended to meet the fast-growing demand for the critical metals and will commence as early as 2027, local media Lusaka Times reported.

“And what they discovered is quite phenomenal. There’s a lot that we as Zambians can look forward to in terms of the announcement of the mine development which should be coming on stream. Their CEO has confirmed that that is something that will come to fruition,” special assistant to the Zambian president on economic, investment and development affairs Jito Kayumba said in a video posted on social media site X on February 5.

Zambia is Africa’s second-largest copper producer, following the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The discovery comes at a time when there’s a global transition to clean energy and electric batteries, prompting the United States and other developed nations to seek alternative sources of copper, cobalt, lithium, and nickel all of which are abundant in Zambia.

President Hichilema, in his end-of-year press conference, had previously announced the discovery of large lithium deposits in Southern Province.

The largest copper deposits ever recorded in Zambia's mining history have been discovered, promising economic contributions and improved livelihoods for its citizens. Spearheaded by KoBold Metals of California, with backing from billionaires Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos, the project aims to forge partnerships and go public within three to four years, reports local media Mwebantu . This discovery coincides with the global quest for alternative copper, cobalt, lithium, and nickel sources, aligning with the shift towards clean energy and electric batteries. 

Employment of Cholera volunteer workers

President Hakainde Hichilema has instructed the Ministry of Health to hire all cholera volunteer health workers nationwide, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the integrity of their database to ensure deserving individuals are not overlooked, local media Zambian Politics reported. Following a visit to the Heroes Stadium Cholera Centre in Lusaka, President Hichilema stressed that any alterations to the list of volunteers should not occur, warning against changes starting from that evening. He expressed determination to implement measures, including possible demolition of structures, to eradicate cholera.

SADC Cholera Champion

The Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) has appointed President Hakainde Hichilema as the regional cholera champion to lead the fight against the waterborne disease in the area. This decision was announced during a virtual summit of SADC heads of State and Government focused on addressing the cholera situation in the region, reports local media Mwebantu . The summit endorsed recommendations from Health Ministers on measures to combat cholera outbreaks, including the development and implementation of multispectral cholera response plans to control its spread.

Combatting drug trafficking

The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has seized over 5 tons of cannabis and various narcotics in a series of drug trafficking targeted raids across the country. According to DEC Public Relations Officer Mwenge Mulenga, operations in the northwestern province led to the arrest of two individuals, Rodwell Kamboro and Lemon Kamboro, charged with unlawful cultivation of fresh cannabis weighing 3.12 tonnes. In the Northern Province, the Commission seized over 1 tonne of fresh cannabis plants and 6 kilograms of loose cannabis, resulting in the arrest of 8 suspects scheduled to appear in court soon, reports local media Zambian Politics .

Lungu mourns Namibia’s President

Zambia's sixth president, Edgar Lungu has expressed sadness over the passing of Namibian President Hage Geingob, calling it a significant loss for both Namibia and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Lungu, who himself came into office after the death of President Sata, described Geingob as the last independent leader. Lungu reflected on their fraternal relationship, which began when both leaders assumed office in 2015, and praised Geingob's dedication to Pan-Africanism and liberation struggles, local media Zambian Eye reported. He mourned the loss of such influential figures and urged African leaders to uphold the late Namibia President's legacy of unity and Pan-African values.

What they said

Strategist at broker Marex said “Aluminum is still seeing this CTA sell program where the short is building to considerable levels,” said Alastair Munro. He added that “There has been much chatter about the possibility of stock inflows around the Third Wednesday prompt. It’s all rumour, but with premiums dropping it would make sense for there to be stock delivered. A metals trader added further, “With so many key data release points this week, metals should continue to see sell-offs ahead of weak data prints,” one metals trader said.