India has revived discussions with Zambia over potential investments in copper and other critical minerals, intensifying New Delhi’s push to secure overseas supplies for its expanding economy and technology industries.

India expands its search for critical minerals

India’s Ministry of Mines held preliminary talks with Zambian counterparts on Aug. 26, according to two people familiar with the discussions who asked not to be identified because the talks were confidential.

The renewed engagement comes as governments and companies compete globally for copper, cobalt and other minerals used in electric vehicles, renewable energy, electronics and advanced manufacturing.

The latest discussions did not include a stalled project that had previously complicated negotiations, one of the people said.

Khanij Bidesh India Ltd., the government-backed company tasked with securing overseas critical mineral assets, is separately assessing opportunities in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Russia and Indonesia. It is also discussing a potential project in Malawi.

New Delhi has increasingly approached African governments about securing mineral blocks through government-to-government arrangements while pursuing assets in Australia and Latin America.

Zambia’s copper wealth attracts India

Zambia, one of Africa’s major copper producers, is drawing attention as India seeks to diversify its mineral supply chains. Neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo is a major source of cobalt, another strategic mineral for the global energy transition.

“Africa, and the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia in particular, can play an important role in meeting India’s growing requirements for copper and cobalt,” a spokesperson for the Federation of Indian Mineral Industries said.

The group said Indian companies should consider brownfield and near-production assets, as well as long-term offtake agreements that offer greater supply certainty.

Copper imports raise pressure

India is the world’s second-largest buyer of refined copper, with imports increasing after Vedanta’s Sterlite Copper smelter closed in 2018.

The Indian government projects that the country could need to import between 91% and 97% of its copper concentrates by 2047, highlighting the urgency of securing overseas supplies.

For Zambia, renewed Indian interest could provide fresh investment for its copper industry as Lusaka seeks to expand production and capture more value from its mineral resources.