Mulwanda sees Luapula becoming Zambia’s next Copperbelt

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Mweru Member of Parliament Lesley Mulwanda says Luapula Province has the potential to become Zambia’s next Copperbelt if ongoing geological surveys identify viable mineral deposits and attract investment into the region.

Mr Mulwanda, a geologist by profession, says Mweru and neighbouring Nchelenge remain largely unexplored, particularly in terms of detailed geological mapping, despite indications of mineral potential.

He was reacting to President Hakainde Hichilema’s address during the opening of the 14th National Assembly, in which the Head of State said the government was nearing completion of the national geological mapping programme aimed at supporting mineral exploration and attracting investment.

Mr Mulwanda says the high-resolution geophysical surveys conducted in his constituency could help identify geological structures that may contain mineral deposits, providing investors with the information needed to assess mining opportunities.

“Luapula, especially Nchelenge and Mweru constituencies, are areas that are not properly geologically mapped,” he said.

Mr Mulwanda said the government’s investment in high-resolution geophysical surveys was an important step towards identifying mineral resources and supporting commercial mining.

“This will map quickly structures that might host mineralisation,” he said, adding that the geological data could attract both local and foreign companies interested in exploring the area.

He cited mineral occurrences in Munkombwe and mining activity across the border in the Democratic Republic of Congo as indications that Luapula could hold significant potential.

Mr Mulwanda also welcomed the government’s intention to empower artisanal miners with the skills needed to extract minerals safely and efficiently, while contributing to national development.

However, he said large-scale commercial mining would require detailed geological information to help investors understand the structures controlling mineralisation.

The lawmaker said this was particularly important as Zambia pursues its target of increasing annual copper production from the current level of about 870,000 to 900,000 tonnes to three million tonnes.

“I would love to see Mweru becoming the next Copperbelt in Luapula, and it’s possible,” Mr Mulwanda said.

He added that achieving the national copper production target would require the country to explore mineral opportunities in areas that have not received adequate geological attention.

“We need to put our hands on every mineral that we can find, especially in areas of potential which have not been geologically attended to,” he said.

Mr Mulwanda said Mweru was well positioned to benefit from increased exploration, citing its vast land, water resources and proximity to countries with established mining operations.

He expressed confidence that the constituency could contribute to national development if the geological data generated through the surveys led to investment and viable mining projects.

“We have all the tools in Mweru constituency, as it is more resourced than many other constituencies that I’ve known, where we have vast land, we have water, and the potential is enormous,” he said.

Ends

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