ZIMEC 2026 TO SPOTLIGHT ZAMBIA’S EXPLORATION RENAISSANCE: UNPACKING HOW INNOVATION, POLICY, AND TECHNOLOGY ARE SHAPING THE NEXT MINERAL BOOM
The 13th Zambia International Mining & Energy Conference & Exhibition (ZIMEC 2026), to be held on 25-26 March 2026 in Kitwe, Zambia, will zero in on one of the most vital conversations for Zambia’s mineral future: how to accelerate exploration and de-risk the hunt for new deposits through technology, partnerships, and smart policy. ZIMEC 2026 is fully supported by the Government of the Republic of Zambia, through the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Development and the Ministry of Energy.
Under the theme “Promoting Responsible Investment & Partnerships to Sustainably Grow Zambia’s Mining and Energy Sectors”, ZIMEC 2026 provides a strategic platform for government leaders, mining companies, investors, geoscientists, and development partners to explore how discovery – not just production – will sustain Zambia’s role as a critical minerals hub in the decades ahead.
Exploration: The Lifeblood of Zambia’s Mineral Future
A highlight of this year’s conference will be the Exploration Panel, titled: “Accelerating mineral discovery: De-risking exploration and leveraging technology to advance the search for minerals.” This session recognises that exploration is far more than just drilling but it’s the foundation of future investment, value creation, and long-term growth for Zambia’s mining sector.
Key topics to be addressed include:
- Geoscientific data and mineral-potential mapping: How comprehensive, modern data is uncovering previously hidden opportunities
- Incentives and policy frameworks for exploration: The role of government, regulation, and public-private partnerships in lowering risk for explorers
- De-risking investment for juniors and mid-tiers — How smaller companies can be supported to take on bold, early-stage exploration
- The role of AI and geospatial technologies — Using artificial intelligence, digitised maps, and advanced remote-sensing to guide discovery
- Platforms such as the Zambia Integrated Mining Information System (ZIMIS): Leveraging national systems for data sharing, transparency, and better decision-making
Real-World Examples: Zambia’s Exploration Momentum
Zambia is no stranger to exploration innovation. For example:
- Ivanhoe Mines has launched its largest-ever copper exploration program in the country, committing US$ 50 million to drilling across its Western Forelands license. The company is using airborne geophysical data collected in a nationwide survey to fast-track its program.
- Giant Mineral Fields has partnered with African Holdings Limited and Curprite Geo-Services to explore three licence areas in the Central African Copperbelt, leveraging Zambia’s strong mineral potential and policy incentives.
- Koryx Copper is actively exploring two large-scale licences: Luanshya West and Mpongwe (totalling over 700 km²), using historical geological data, geophysics, and planned drilling to test high-potential targets.
- On the policy and national data side, Zambia is bolstering its geoscience foundation through a high-resolution aerial geophysical survey, run in partnership with international partners, to map previously under-explored basins.
- In the realm of critical minerals, recent reports highlight major new prospects in cobalt, manganese, lithium, graphite, and nickel – including high-grade graphite in Lundazi and Kapiri Mposhi, and a planned cobalt refinery backed by US$ 100 million.
These examples illustrate that Zambia is not just talking about exploration, it is actively building the infrastructure, data systems, and investment incentives that can make discovery more efficient, more transparent, and more attractive.
What to Expect at the Session
- Panellists will include geoscientists, investors, government officials, and technology leaders
- Interactive discussion on policy design, data platforms, and the funding gap for junior explorers
- Q&A sessions to foster engagement with participants
- Networking opportunities for deal-making, joint ventures, and data-sharing partnerships
Join Us at ZIMEC 2026
ZIMEC 2026 is not just a conference — it’s a catalyst for exploration-led growth. The exploration panel will be a strategic moment for all stakeholders to come together, share lessons, and commit to the future of Zambia’s mineral discovery journey.
Registration is now open for delegates, exhibitors, and sponsors. For more information, including programming and exhibition opportunities, please visit https://zimeczambia.com/ or contact Conference Producer, Babongile Zulu at babongile@ametrade.org. Join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #ZIMEC.
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