Minerals & industryWhy critical minerals matter
Critical minerals are strategically important to modern economies because they support energy systems, transport, electronics, manufacturing, infrastructure and advanced technologies. Their importance also reflects supply concentration, growing demand and the challenge of developing secure, responsible value chains.
CRMAZ perspective
For Zambia, the opportunity is not limited to extracting mineral resources. It includes exploration services, laboratories, engineering, processing, skills, local procurement, technology, recycling and downstream manufacturing.
Featured mineral groups
Copper
Essential for electricity networks, construction, electronics and clean-energy infrastructure.
Cobalt
Used in selected battery chemistries, alloys and specialised industrial applications.
Lithium
A key input for rechargeable batteries and energy-storage technologies.
Graphite
Used in battery anodes, refractories, lubricants and specialised industrial products.
Nickel
Important in stainless steel, alloys and selected battery technologies.
Rare Earth Elements
Support permanent magnets, electronics, communications and specialised applications.
Building a competitive value chain
Exploration
Improve geological knowledge, data quality, sampling and project definition.
Development
Support bankable, responsible projects with clear technical and commercial foundations.
Processing
Increase recovery, product quality and local value through appropriate technology.
Markets
Build credible supply relationships, traceability and access to responsible buyers.
Skills
Develop specialised technical, managerial, laboratory and operational expertise.
Stewardship
Protect workers, communities and the environment throughout the project lifecycle.