Zambia Opens Gold Refinery as Africa Pushes Local Processing

Zambia has opened a gold refinery, joining Burkina Faso, Ethiopia and other African producers in processing minerals domestically to capture more value.

Minera Refineries Zambia Limited said the facility refines gold to 99 percent–99.99 percent purity and could generate more than US$1.8 billion, according to the Zambian Observer.

Copper dominates Zambia’s mining economy, accounting for 66 percent of goods exports worth US$7.5 billion in 2024. Gold contributed just 2 percent, or US$262 million.

Managing Director Andrew Mukupa Katandula outlined a two-year plan to formalize artisanal mining, pre-finance miners and improve transparency in gold production and trade.

The refinery could help Zambia diversify mineral exports, though its impact will depend on reliable supply and commercial output.

Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burkina Faso and Ethiopia have also opened or announced gold refineries. Their capacities and ownership vary but reflect broader interest in retaining mineral processing in Africa.

For Zambia, transparent purchasing, traceable supply chains and oversight of small-scale mining will be essential to channel more production into formal markets.