The mining industry remains the economic and social backbone of Zambia. Copper and cobalt are the key commodities produced in Zambia, with the Zambian copper belt remaining the focus of mining and development activities. The copper belt, which is situated between Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, is one of the world's greatest metallogenic provinces. The area contains the world's highest grade copper and cobalt deposits, with tailings dumps often containing grades greater than that of most hard rock mines. Zambia's mining sector is set to continue the recovery seen over the last decade. The country had declining copper output throughout the 1990s but a mixture of low taxes, privatization and elevated copper prices has seen a substantial boost to investment and output.

Whilst much of the attention during the latest round of financial results has been devoted to record profits for the major miners, there has been a more concerning pattern of rising costs, an issue expected to remain important in the coming months. Mining companies have seen declining margins as elevated energy prices and higher wages have taken their toll. Energy prices are expected to remain elevated, with oil prices averaging US$102/bbl in 2012 and skills shortages are likely to push wage costs even higher over the coming months.

On the back of the creation of two multi-facility economic zones, high commodity prices and a relatively light tax and regulatory scheme, foreign investment into Zambia has surged. To encourage mining activity to continue amidst lower global copper prices, the government abandoned the new taxes on the sector in January 2009 after only nine months. In general, Zambia is working to overcome the most prominent impediments to foreign businesses by investing heavily in physical infrastructure and combating endemic corruption. However, progress is slow and the country faces other longer-term challenges, which includes poor worker health and education as well as a relatively weak legal system.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Executive Summary

2. Industry Definition

3. Global Mining Industry

4. Mining Industry in Africa

5. Zambia Mining Industry

6. Industry Trends

7. Regulatory Framework

8. Coal Market in Zambia

9. Cobalt Market in Zambia

10. Copper Market in Zambia

11. Competition in the Industry

12. Major Industry Players

13. Industry Forecast

14. Glossary

Companies Mentioned:

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