ZIMEC 2025 Speaker Interview – Didier RAULT, Chairman, World Mining Investment
Didier Rault is an international financier who has been working on complex government and corporate deals for the past twenty-five years. Mr. Rault has specialized in East-West projects across a range of industries, such as mining, real estate, and infrastructure. With an experienced team of high-level finance executives based in Beijing, Hong Kong, Geneva, and New York, he creates value across continents.
Mr. Rault established World Mining Investment (WMI) in 2009 as a platform to secure assets for Chinese entities. WMI has secured three major deals: a coal mine project in New South Wales, Australia, in 2009; a fully completed coal mine and real estate project, partially with China Resources, in Qinghai Province, China, in 2013; and a rare earths venture with Setai in Guangxi Province, China in 2019.
1. Can you share with us a brief overview of your experience in the sector, and your goals or objectives for joining ZIMEC 2025.
As a leading mining investment firm focused on emerging markets, World Mining Investment (WMI) has been exploring mining developments In Africa and around the world for almost two decades.
We’re participating in ZIMEC 2025 to find new investment opportunities in Zambia’s rapidly evolving mining sector, particularly given the country’s strategic position in the global critical minerals supply chain. Our objectives include connecting with key stakeholders, evaluating new project opportunities, and sharing our expertise in sustainable mining development.
2. How Optimistic are you generally about Zambia’s prospects over the next 5 years?
We maintain a strongly positive outlook on Zambia’s mining prospects over the next five years, supported by several key factors:
First, the country’s continuing policy reforms and commitment to creating a more transparent and investor-friendly mining environment give us confidence.
Second, global demand for copper and critical minerals continues to grow, driven by the green energy transition and global electrification trends. Zambia’s rich mineral endowment, particularly in copper and cobalt, positions it perfectly to benefit from these macro trends.
Third, the government’s focus on expanding power generation capacity and upgrading transportation infrastructure will be crucial enablers for mining sector growth.
We believe Zambia’s mining sector is entering a transformative period that presents compelling opportunities for strategic investors.
