India has initiated a significant exploration project in Zambia by sending a team of geologists to investigate potential copper and cobalt deposits, as reported by Reuters.

These minerals are crucial for the country's energy transition, with cobalt a vital component in electric vehicle batteries and copper essential in various industries.

The Zambian government has allocated 9,000km^² to India for mineral exploration.

The exploration project, set to last three years, will see analysis primarily conducted in Indian laboratories. The exploration team plans to make multiple visits throughout the project's duration.

Upon determining the mining potential in Zambia, the Indian government intends to request a mining lease and may extend an invitation to private-sector companies to join the venture.

The Ministry of Mines in India has not commented on the development.

India's strategic pursuit of critical minerals extends beyond Zambia, with discussions underway with several African countries, as well as prospects in Australia and Latin America.

India is also engaging with the Democratic Republic of Congo to secure cobalt and copper supplies.

Following the 2018 shutdown of Vedanta's Sterlite copper smelter, India's copper imports have risen, reaching 1.2 million tonnes (mt) in the fiscal year ending March 2025.

India's reliance on cobalt imports is evident, with a 20% increase in cobalt oxide imports recorded in 2024/25.

In a strategic move to bolster domestic resources and lessen dependence on China, India has instructed state-owned miner IREL to halt rare earth exports to Japan, potentially impacting a longstanding supply agreement.