Energy Consultant, Researcher, and Fellow at the Engineering Institution of Zambia, Dr. Johnstone Chikwanda, says sustained investment in the mining sector is central to strengthening Zambia’s electricity grid and supporting the country’s energy transition.
He says the mining industry remains the backbone of electricity consumption in Zambia, accounting for about 63 percent of national demand, according to the Energy Regulation Board’s 2025 statistical data.
In a statement, Dr. Chikwanda notes that despite being a major consumer, the sector has also played a stabilising role in recent years by supporting grid management and enabling investment in new power infrastructure.
He explains that during the 2023/2024 energy crisis, mining companies helped ease pressure on the national grid through demand management and emergency power sourcing.
He cites First Quantum Minerals as a key example, saying the company imported more than half of its electricity requirements, helping to reduce pressure on ZESCO and regional imports.
Dr. Chikwanda further says mining firms are increasingly driving renewable energy development through Power Purchase Agreements and investments in solar, wind, and transmission infrastructure.
He adds that with Zambia targeting 3 million tonnes of copper production by 2031, electricity demand is expected to rise sharply, making coordinated investment in both mining and energy sectors critical for long-term stability.
By Best Jere
