India Sends Geologists to Zambia for Copper and Cobalt Reserves

India has taken a significant step towards securing its critical mineral supplies by sending a team of geologists to Zambia to survey local copper and cobalt reserves. This move, initiated on July 1, is part of India's broader strategy to ensure long-term domestic access to materials essential for the energy transition, particularly for electric vehicle (EV) batteries, clean energy systems, and modern infrastructure. The mission, led by the Ministry of Mines and coordinated through Khanij Bidesh India Ltd (KABIL), aims to evaluate both the scale and commercial viability of Zambia’s mineral deposits.

Zambia is a strategic partner for India in this mission, as it produces over 70% of Africa’s copper and has significant cobalt deposits. These minerals are crucial for building EV supply chains and battery factories. KABIL, a state-run company jointly owned by National Aluminium Co., Hindustan Copper, and Mineral Exploration Corp., has already signed multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with governments in Africa and Latin America. The current geological team’s visit to Zambia is part of a broader scouting program across several mineral-rich countries.

Beyond their role in EVs and renewables, copper and cobalt are also vital for the crypto industry. Copper is used in data center wiring and cooling infrastructure, including for Bitcoin and blockchain operations. Cobalt is essential in lithium-ion batteries powering off-grid mining rigs. A secure and diversified supply of these minerals may lower long-term costs for crypto hardware, improving the sustainability of mining operations, especially in emerging markets exploring alternative energy. Africa’s low-cost and geopolitical access to copper and cobalt adds strategic depth to this initiative.

India’s move into African mineral markets also has broader implications for energy sovereignty. As countries like India reduce their dollar-denominated import dependencies, they strengthen their ability to engage in cross-border trade using alternative payment systems. For example, India’s access to raw materials from friendly countries could eventually support the creation of rupee-based smart contracts. This long-term strategy tightens the loop between geopolitics, minerals, and digital finance.

The crypto market has historically responded to geopolitical moves in the commodities sector. In past cycles, constraints in energy and minerals have triggered spikes in crypto asset valuations, driven by investor demand for uncorrelated, hedge-like assets. If India succeeds in developing its strategic mineral corridor, it could serve as a foundation for a cleaner, more decentralized infrastructure. This potentially encourages the buildout of sovereign mining facilities powered by local green grids.