By Maimbolwa Mulikelela
Vedanta Resources Limited has launched CopperTech Metals Inc., a new U.S.-based company that will own and operate Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) in Zambia, backed by a US$1.5 billion investment aimed at ramping up production and cementing Zambia’s position in the global copper supply chain.
The announcement, issued from New York on November 6, 2025, marks a significant milestone in Vedanta’s renewed commitment to Zambia’s mining sector, reinforcing its vision to “Power the Copper Century” and meet surging global demand for copper driven by artificial intelligence (AI), data centers, clean energy, and defense industries.
According to Vedanta, CopperTech builds on its US$3 billion historical investment in KCM covering deep mine shaft development, smelter upgrades, and concentrator projects.
The additional capital will fund operational expansion, modernization, and deployment of AI-driven exploration and extraction technologies.
“Today marks a historic and pivotal moment,” said Anil Agarwal, Founder and Chairman of Vedanta Group.
He added: “CopperTech will play a significant role in connecting America’s critical mineral needs with Zambia’s historic copper legacy. This partnership will unlock a wave of innovation and advancement in clean energy, technology, and industrial progress on both sides of the Atlantic.”
CopperTech plans to increase integrated copper production from 140,000 tonnes in its 2026 financial year to 300,000 tonnes by 2031, with future investments projected to lift output to 500,000 tonnes annually—a level that would position KCM among the world’s leading copper producers.
The initiative comes as global copper demand is projected by the United Nations to rise by more than 40 percent by 2040, while the U.S. Geological Survey (2024) estimates that the United States imports nearly 45 percent of its refined copper needs.
“The next 25 years will require more copper than has been produced throughout all of human history,” said Tom Albanese, Director of CopperTech Metals.
He stated that “CopperTech is well positioned to serve as a strategic partner for America’s infrastructure needs.”
CopperTech’s creation aligns with Zambia’s 2030 Copper Vision, which seeks to raise national production, promote value addition, and strengthen responsible mining practices.
In July 2024, the Zambian government formally returned management control of KCM to Vedanta, reaffirming confidence in the company’s ability to deliver on investment and sustainability commitments.
Vedanta said the transaction reflects the government’s “strong commitment to responsible mining development,” adding that ZCCM-IH retains a 20.6 percent equity stake in KCM.
KCM hosts one of the world’s highest-grade copper deposits, with ore grades averaging 2.9 percent—four times the global industry average—and peaking at 3.3 percent within the Konkola Deep Mining Project (KDMP).
The mine’s integrated operations—comprising underground mines, concentrators, a smelter, and a copper recycling facility—offer a competitive edge in both cost and quality control.
CopperTech will integrate AI and digital systems to improve ore recovery, enhance safety, and optimize production efficiency. Its high-grade copper cathodes and cobalt hydroxide will supply the renewable energy, electric mobility, and global data infrastructure sectors.
The company also plans to leverage the U.S.-backed US$10 billion Lobito Corridor, linking Zambia’s Copperbelt to Angola’s Atlantic coast, to enhance export logistics and expand access to U.S. and European markets.
Part of the new investment will fund further exploration within KCM’s license area and other potential zones, using AI-based geological surveys and “drill-and-fill” initiatives to expand proven reserves.
Priya Agarwal-Hebbar, Director at Vedanta Limited and Chairperson of Hindustan Zinc Limited, will serve as Chairperson of CopperTech Metals.
“CopperTech’s creation symbolizes Vedanta’s confidence in Zambia’s mining future and our collective ability to power the global energy transition from the heart of the Copperbelt,” she said.
With its renewed investment, cutting-edge technology, and partnership with the Zambian government, CopperTech Metals is expected to elevate Zambia’s global copper standing, generate new employment opportunities, and drive the country’s long-term industrialization goals.