Zambia’s mining skills shortage is both a challenge and an opportunity
Zambia is experiencing rapid growth in mining, driven predominantly by copper but also increasing interest in other minerals linked to Electric Vehicle (EV) battery and energy transition demand, including cobalt, nickel and lithium. New mining licences are being granted, and existing mines are being expanded alongside plant upgrades and modernisation initiatives, which have created massive demand for skills across the sector. However, the local skills base in Zambia has not kept pace with the demand for artisans, technicians and specialist professionals. As a result, mines are under pressure to find and retain the right people while paying rising rates for increasingly scarce skills.
