United Arab Emirates-based International Resources Holding (IRH) and Zambia’s state-owned mining company, ZCCM Investments Holdings, are exploring new mining and mineral exploration projects, expanding a partnership built around reviving one of the country’s major copper producers.
- IRH and Zambia's ZCCM Investments Holdings are expanding their mining partnership beyond reviving the major Mopani Copper Mines.
- IRH invested $1.1 billion and now holds a 51% stake in Mopani, aiming to boost copper production to 300,000 tonnes annually by 2029.
- Zambia aims for an ambitious national increase, targeting 3 million tonnes of copper output per year by 2031 to attract global investors.
- Copper's crucial role in the global energy transition is driving both the company and the country to seek new exploration and mining projects.
The companies said they remained committed to the long-term development of Mopani Copper Mines, where IRH holds a 51% stake, and ZCCM-IH owns the remaining 49%.
IRH pledged $1.1 billion to support Mopani in December 2023 before acquiring its majority stake in 2024, as Zambia sought to revive the mine and increase copper production.
“Beyond Mopani, IRH and ZCCM-IH are also exploring new opportunities for collaboration in mineral exploration and wider mining operations,” the companies said in a joint statement.
Mopani targets higher copper output
Mopani produced 66,369 metric tonnes of copper in 2025 but expects annual output to reach 300,000 tonnes by 2029.
The expansion forms part of Zambia’s broader ambition to increase annual copper production to 3 million tonnes by 2031. The country is Africa’s second-largest copper producer and is seeking to attract investment to unlock more of its mineral resources.
Copper is increasingly important to global energy transition efforts because it is used in electricity networks, renewable energy systems and electric vehicles.
IRH expands across Africa
IRH has been expanding its presence in Africa’s critical minerals industry. In 2025, the company acquired a controlling stake in Alphamin Resources, which operates the Bisie tin mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to Reuters.
The Emirati company has also approached Kenmare Resources about a potential takeover, which could extend its reach into Mozambique’s mineral-sands industry and further expand its African mining portfolio.
The latest discussions with ZCCM-IH could broaden IRH’s investment in Zambia beyond Mopani, while giving the state-owned company another potential partner to develop the country’s mining sector.