Makayi will speak during the Leaders Forum on a panel entitled ‘Innovation in a New Era of African Mining.’The session will explore key trends in African mining, looking at new markets and successful projects, and the outlook for their businesses. Panelists will explore how initiatives like the African Green Minerals Strategy, Minerals Security Partnership and European Critical Raw Materials Act help shape production and markets for mineral resources.

The US startup’s investment plans could place Zambia on track to reach its copper production target of three million tons per year by 2030. The 300,000-tonnes-per-annum mine will rank among the largest copper operations in the country, helping to meet rising demand owing to the rapid deployment of electric vehicles and clean energy solutions.

KoBold Metals has positioned itself as a key player of the Zambian economy through significant investments in exploration, within the country’s mining value chain. In February 2024, the company signed an agreement with exploration and mining firm Midnight Sun Mining Corp to acquire a 75% interest in Zambia’s Dumbwa Exploration Project. Under the agreement, KoBold Metals will invest up to $15 million in drilling activities over a period of 4-5 years, with the Dumbwa target said to be comparable in size to other major deposits in the region. CMA 2024 will provide investors, project developers, and technical services providers an ideal platform to meet with companies like KoBold Metals. 

Within Africa’s mining landscape, KoBold Metals has distinguished itself by introducing new technologies to simplify the detection of critical mineral resources. The company leverages data science techniques including statistical modeling and, big data aggregation, software engineering and foundational ore-deposit science to accelerate exploration activities. KoBold’s second partnership in Zambia was with Tiertiary Minerals Zambia to explore the Konkola West Copper project in Zambia, following the award of a drilling license in April 2024.

“Demand for critical minerals is estimated to grow by four times by 2030, owing to the rapid rollout of clean energy technologies. KoBold Metals is providing African critical mineral markets with next-generation solutions and funding to capitalize on growing demand,” stated Rachelle Kasongo, Conference Director, Energy Capital & Power.

The Critical Minerals Africa 2024 summit on November 6 - 7 serves to position Africa as the primary investment destination for critical minerals. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energy 2024 conference on November 4 - 8, offering delegates access to the full scope of energy, mining and finance leaders in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting [email protected]