Independent global consultancy SRK Consulting is strengthening its connections in Zambia as one of the sponsors of the 13th edition of the Zambian International Mining and Energy Conference (ZIMEC).

Their presence at ZIMEC will be preceded by a workshop on 24 March to be held in host town, Kitwe, in conjunction with the launch of SRK Consulting (Zambia), SRK’s newly established local practice, at which they will showcase their extensive mining experience to prospective clients, and give presentations based on the ZIMEC theme for this year which is ‘Promoting responsible investment and partnerships to sustainably grow Zambia’s mining and energy sector.’

According to SRK consulting (South Africa) partner and principal engineering geologist Desmond Mossop, the renewed commitment of the Zambian government to accelerating copper production and the exploration of other minerals in the country is a significant development for Zambian mining. Together with the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Development, the Zambian Geological Survey Department is having conversations with investors and operators, putting the two together to create new partnerships that will benefit all parties.

With a transparent mining cadastre in place, legislation including the Minerals Regulation Commission Act which establishes the Minerals Regulation Commission (MRC) as the central authority for mineral resource management, and the Geological and Minerals Development Act which aims to enhance the sector through surveying, mapping, exploration, and supporting Zambian miners and attracting investment, the Zambia government is taking seriously its role as guardian of the country’s mineral resources and wealth.

To assist in exploration, high-resolution aerial surveys of Zambia have already covered 60% of the country – and to put into perspective the pace at which the government is working – in October 2025, only 40% had been assessed.

Providing much-needed technical expertise

SRK Consulting has a long history in Zambia and can provide the full range of mining and related services that the country needs in this expansion phase. The recent events at some tailings storage facilities demonstrate that technical expertise in the management of this essential element of mining operations is critical.

“Our geology, geotechnical, civils, water, mining and foundation engineering teams support mining activities from exploration to a mine’s end of life, including managing tailings,” said Mossop.

“In exploration, our proprietary software helps refine exploration targeting, providing investors with confident decision making on mineral deposits,” he said of their specific expertise.

Also part of SRK’s investment in the country’s mining sector is ongoing engagement with the Copper Belt University in Kitwe, where their local practice is housed, to develop the skills required today and into the future, applying a model the company has pioneered in South Africa and globally.

“Working with university faculties helps support the growth of manpower in the mining sector, and works towards the integration of skills through the entire mining value chain,” said Mossop.

Increased beneficiation

Beneficiation has long been an issue in Africa, and in keeping with the general push across the continent to retain more of its mineral wealth, the Zambian government is forging partnerships, notably with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), to do more with their raw minerals before exporting them directly out of the country. Within Zambia, the government is also supporting the production of copper electric cables and is working with the green energy sector in exploring potential of the production of electrical batteries. Localisation legislation is driving further investment in beneficiation projects.

Confronting energy vulnerabilities

The country is nevertheless vulnerable to an inconsistent power supply, although national energy company ZESCO is taking measures to create a more stable system, and mining operators are being encouraged to be more energy independent. The Green Copper Accord between ZESCO, GreenCo and First Quantum Minerals seeks to secure vital energy supplies from South Africa for mining, manufacturing, and residential users.

“SRK has the expertise to assist with Zambia’s energy deficiencies and offers technical support to companies seeking to be energy independent. We conduct civil geotechnical assessments, for example, for the construction of solar farms, ensuring environmental compliance and relevant permitting,” said Able Tunono, Zambian based geotechnical engineer with SRK.

AI and big data trends to watch

According to Tunono, the key watchwords and trends for mining in Zambia – as elsewhere – are artificial intelligence (AI), and big data. The United States is utilising advanced AI in their exploration efforts in Zambia, and improved data from airborne technologies including drones and satellites, as well as ground penetrating radar and seismic technology means that the richness of exploration data is increasing exponentially.

Political will, robust legislation, and increased levels of investment are all contributing factors to the growth of Zambia’s mining sector. Together with technical skills that span the entire mining process from sector experts such as SRK, Zambia is expanding its profile from an existing source of traditional minerals to a leader in the provision of new earth and future minerals including cobalt, lithium, manganese, and uranium.

“In the new ‘gold rush’ for these sought after resources, it is reassuring that Zambia is demonstrating a strong commitment to promote responsible investment and partnerships for the sustainable growth of the country’s mining and energy sector. SRK fully supports this approach and looks forward to making a meaningful contribution at ZIMEC 2026 and into the future,” said Mossop.

Supporting mining in Zambia

SRK Consulting South Africa’s multidisciplinary team of consultants will be on the ground at ZIMEC on 25 and 26 March at stand number 58 to showcase their expertise.

Mossop noted that SRK is fully aligned with the agenda of the conference and is ready to partner with industry stakeholders to contribute to promoting responsible investment and partnerships to sustainably grow Zambia’s mining and energy sectors.

“ZIMEC offers a valuable platform for discussions on advancing Zambia’s mining sector,” he said. “We welcome the opportunities to have meaningful conversations with our visitors about their technical challenges and potential solutions for the industry’s future.”

Profiling SRK’s Zambian expertise

Able Tunono, Geotechnical Engineer and Country Lead, SRK Consulting Zambia

A graduate of the University of Zambia where he gained his first degree, and holding a Masters in Rock Mechanics as well as an MBA, Able Tunono brings over 35 years of geotechnical engineering experience to SRK Zambia. His career includes 15 years in both open cast and underground mining operations and technical roles, 5 years in consultancy and 14 years at senior corporate management level with a leading mining house.

Tunono is a registered practising engineer in Botswana (ERB) where he held the position of Principal Geotechnical Engineer at Debswana Diamond Mining Company’s Corporate Centre. Among his oversight, assurance, and advisory responsibilities, he also managed the company’s geotechnical talent development programme.

Tunono has also worked in Namibia and consulted on projects in Zambia, Mozambique, and the DRC. He is a member of the Southern Africa Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM) and the Engineering Institute of Zambia. He counts among his mentors and tutors one of the co-founders of SRK, the late Dr Oskar Steffen, as well as veterans of the industry and company such as former SRK Consulting South Africa chairman Peter Terbrugge.

His technical qualifications, extensive knowledge of the local Zambian environment and SRK Consulting’s processes make him the perfect country lead for SRK’s new Zambian office in Kitwe.

Nyankhundi Phiri, Business Manager, SRK Consulting Zambia

Nyankhundi Phiri is a finance and advisory professional with experience in corporate insolvency, including liquidations and receiverships, forensic investigations, due diligence, and feasibility studies.

Until recently, he was a senior associate at Price Waterhouse Coopers, where he led advisory engagements across mining, energy, and financial services sectors, supporting governments, regulators, direct foreign and private investors.

During his tenure at PwC, he contributed to key advisory engagements aimed at supporting a major copper mining operation in Zambia. His work helped enhance governance practices and informed important recovery initiatives within the sector.

Phiri holds a BA Honours in Accounting and Finance from the University of Kent. He brings his considerable skills and experience in stakeholder engagement, business development, technical reporting, and project and team management to SRK’s Zambian practice.