Zambia Opens Gold Refinery as African Countries Expand Local Mineral Processing

Zambia has launched a new gold refinery as African countries increasingly invest in domestic processing to retain more value from their mineral resources and strengthen control over precious-metal supply chains.

Developed by Minera Refineries Zambia Limited, the facility is designed to refine gold to purity levels of between 99% and 99.99%, according to information released by the company. Its launch could support the formalisation of small-scale gold mining and help diversify Zambia’s mineral exports.

The company has reported that the initiative could generate more than $1.8 billion, although further details on the projected revenue and the timeframe for achieving it have not been provided.

Andrew Mukupa Katandula, managing director of Minera Refineries Zambia Limited, outlined a proposed two-year programme to formalise artisanal gold mining, provide targeted pre-financing to miners and improve transparency across gold production and trading.

Company representatives also said gold sourced from Mpika and processed at the facility had achieved high purity levels and attracted potential buyers.

Gold Remains a Small Part of Zambia’s Exports

Despite its mineral wealth, Zambia’s export economy remains heavily dependent on copper. Copper accounted for approximately 66% of the country’s goods exports in 2024, worth $7.5 billion, while gold contributed about 2%, equivalent to $262 million.

The new refinery could help increase the domestic value captured from gold production. However, its contribution will depend on securing reliable supplies, establishing transparent purchasing arrangements and achieving sustained commercial output.

Formalising artisanal and small-scale mining will be particularly important. Improved access to financing and legitimate gold markets could encourage miners to operate through regulated channels, while traceability and effective oversight would help strengthen confidence in the supply chain.

African Gold Refining Capacity Expands

Zambia joins several African countries that have recently launched or announced domestic gold and precious-metals refining facilities.

Nigeria reported the opening of a high-purity gold refinery in Lagos in January 2026, while the Democratic Republic of Congo inaugurated a refinery in Kalemie in March. Burkina Faso opened the RAFFINOR-BF refinery in Ouagadougou in September, and Ethiopia launched a $50 million national precious-metals refinery in October.

Although the facilities differ in ownership, processing capacity and operational status, they reflect a broader push to expand mineral processing within Africa rather than rely entirely on overseas refining markets.

For Zambia, the refinery represents an opportunity to develop its gold sector alongside its established copper industry. Its long-term economic impact will depend on the volume of gold processed, the development of formal supply chains and the facility’s ability to secure consistent buyers.