US Support for Zambian Mining Expansion
On September 18, 2025, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) announced funding for a feasibility study to expand the Kazozu copper- cobalt mine in Zambia. The study will evaluate technical, financial, and environmental aspects of scaling up operations at the site, with the goal of boosting Zambia’s role in global copper and cobalt supply chains. The decision underscores Washington’s strategy of using targeted support to strengthen ties with African producers of critical minerals.
Strategic Role of Copper and Cobalt
Kazozu’s deposits combine copper, a backbone of the global electrification push, with cobalt, a key component of advanced batteries. USTDA’s involvement is intended to ensure that any expansion meets international standards for safety, environmental protection, and community engagement. Beyond technical inputs, the study is framed as a step toward attracting further U.S. and allied private investment, giving Zambia alternatives to traditional financing partners while supporting its economic diversification.
Geopolitical and Market Implications
The move highlights the growing competition among major powers for access to African resources critical to the energy transition. For Zambia, USTDA’s support could help attract new partners, diversify export markets, and raise governance standards in the sector. For the U.S., the project reflects a broader effort to secure supply chains outside China’s dominant sphere. If the study leads to a successful expansion, Kazozu could become a symbol of how strategic cooperation between the U.S. and African producers is reshaping the critical-minerals landscape.