Published: January 23, 2026 |

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Vedanta Resources has formed CopperTech Metals, a U.S.-domiciled company with a mission to ‘Power the Copper Century’ and to bolster America’s copper security needs while capitalizing on surging copper demand driven by artificial intelligence, data center expansion, grid modernization, defense technologies and industrial onshoring requirements.

CopperTech will own and operate the Konkola Copper Mines in Zambia, one of the highest-grade copper producing assets in the world with proven cobalt reserves. In July 2024, the Zambian government transferred management control of Konkola Copper Mines back to Vedanta, demonstrating strong governmental commitment to responsible mining development

CopperTech intends to build on the existing $3 billion investment made by Vedanta Resources in the Konkola Copper Mines — which included construction of a deep mine shaft, a smelter and a concentrator, and engaging in general mine development — and intends to invest an additional $1.5 billion in the operations.

CopperTech intends to leverage advanced mining and cutting-edge AI-driven resource identification and extraction technology, as an integral part of its plans to expand production capacity and enhance operational efficiency from the current planned integrated copper production levels of 140,000 tonnes in FY26 to 300,000 tonnes by 2031. With future investments, and supported by proven and probable reserves, CopperTech has plans to raise production levels to 500,000 tonnes per year, which CopperTech believes would position the company among the leading copper producers in the world.

“Today marks a historic and pivotal moment, CopperTech will play a significant role in connecting America’s critical mineral needs with Zambia’s historic copper legacy. This partnership will unlock a wave of innovation and advancement in clean energy, technology, and industrial progress on both sides of the Atlantic,” said Anil Agarwal, founder and chairman of Vedanta Group.

POWERING THE COPPER CENTURY AND ADDRESSING AMERICAN’S SURGING COPPER DEMAND GROWTH

CopperTech emerges at a critical juncture for U.S. supply chain security with the United Nations forecasting global copper demand to grow by more than 40 percent by 2040. According to the 2024 U.S. Geological Survey, the United States currently imports approximately 45 percent of its refined copper consumption, while China produces more than 45 percent of the world’s copper. The Democratic Republic of Congo accounts for more than 80 percent of cobalt production and China accounts for more than 70 percent of cobalt refinement. CopperTech’s operations in Zambia, a country with strong U.S. diplomatic relations, offers American supply chains the geographic diversification they increasingly demand.

“The next 25 years will require more copper than has been produced throughout all of human history. CopperTech is well positioned to serve as a strategic partner for America’s infrastructure needs,” said Tom Albanese, director, CopperTech Metals.

The explosive growth of electricity demand from AI and data centers is driving utilities worldwide to radically alter their growth projections, creating massive requirements for generation, transmission, and distribution investment — all copper-intensive applications. CopperTech’s planned production of high-quality cathodes and cobalt hydroxide products directly support these critical infrastructure applications.

Priya Agarwal-Hebbar, director at Vedanta and chairperson of one of the world’s largest integrated producers of zinc, Hindustan Zinc, will lead CopperTech as chairperson.

STRATEGIC INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT

CopperTech’s go-to-market strategy leverages the U.S.-backed $10 billion Lobito Corridor project, which connects Zambia’s Copperbelt to Angola’s Atlantic coast, providing enhanced logistics access for serving U.S. markets. CopperTech’s strategic positioning aligns with this infrastructure development, creating optimal conditions for serving U.S. technology and industrial sectors.

Additionally, CopperTech intends to utilize a portion of the planned $1.5 billion investment towards further exploration within the Konkola Copper Mines property in Zambia as well as conduct exploration activities in other countries. These include drill and fill projects and AI-based surveys to ascertain the potential for additional resources.

Established by Vedanta Resources, CopperTech Metals is a U.S.-domiciled integrated copper and cobalt producer that owns and operates the world-class Konkola Copper Mines in Zambia’s Copperbelt Province with a mission of powering the copper century. The Konkola Copper Mines represent one of the world’s highest-grade copper assets, positioning the company to serve as a strategic, technology-led supplier of critical minerals to U.S. technology and industrial sectors while supporting America’s infrastructure modernization and energy security objectives. CopperTech combines high ore grades with established processing infrastructure, cutting-edge technology, artificial intelligence, and proven operational expertise to deliver sustainable value creation, with plans to expand production over time to 500,000 metric tonnes per annum.

Vedanta Resources, headquartered in London, U.K., has operations span India, South Africa, Zambia, Namibia, Liberia, UAE, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Taiwan, and Japan. Its portfolio includes zinc, silver, aluminium, oil & gas, copper, iron ore & steel, nickel, cobalt, and commercial energy.

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