Makor Resources launches Zambia operations at strategic stakeholder briefing amid growing global copper demand and supply constraints

Makor Resources, a copper-focused exploration and development company, has formally announced the launch of its operations in Zambia, positioning the company at the centre of one of the most significant structural supply challenges facing global markets.

As demand for copper accelerates - driven by electrification, clean energy systems, and digital infrastructure - supply remains constrained by the industry’s ability to bring new production online in a timely, structured, and responsible manner.

Against this backdrop, Zambia is emerging as a globally competitive mining jurisdiction, supported by policy reforms, a stable fiscal regime, and a clear national strategy to increase copper production to 3 million metric tonnes per annum by 2031.

Makor Resources is advancing a coordinated portfolio of copper assets across key geological corridors in Kasempa, Mkushi, Mumbwa, Kitwe, and Ndola - designed not as a collection of licences, but as a structured, district-scale development strategy capable of supporting long-term production.

The company’s approach integrates geophysics, remote sensing, and systematic target validation with a strong emphasis on governance, community engagement, and alignment with global supply chain expectations.

Government and community endorsement

The Permanent Secretary for Information and Media, Mr. Thabo Kawana, emphasized the significance of Makor’s entry into Zambia’s mining sector:

“Today’s engagement is not merely an announcement - it is a signal. A signal that Zambia continues to attract serious, forward-looking investment and that our mining sector is evolving into one that is structured, responsible, and globally competitive.”

“Companies such as Makor Resources exemplify the type of partner Zambia seeks. Their integrated approach and commitment to governance, community engagement, and alignment with global market expectations reflect the vision we have for the future of our mining sector.”

The Mumbwa District Commissioner, Ms. Namukolo Hayumbu, reinforced Makor’s credibility at the community level:

“Makor Resources has demonstrated a clear understanding that sustainable investment must begin with listening to the people. Their approach reflects both capacity and sincerity, and gives us confidence in their ability to deliver meaningful, lasting impact in our district.”

Market positioning and strategy

Makor Resources Chief Executive Officer, Brooke Bibeault, is focused on responding to the emerging supply gap in global copper markets:

“Global copper demand is accelerating, but supply is not keeping pace. The gap is already forming, and the challenge now is delivering new supply in a way that is timely, structured, and responsibly developed - where community integration is not a consideration, but a requirement for building credible projects at scale.”

“Zambia is one of the few jurisdictions where geology, policy direction, and market demand are aligning at the same time. We already have a portfolio of assets across key copper corridors, and our focus now is advancing them with discipline - building geological clarity, defining scale, and moving toward development in a way that meets both national ambition and global supply requirements.”

Technical execution and development pathway

Makor’s Executive Chairman Ricus Grimbeek added:

“What differentiates successful copper projects today is not just geological potential, but how effectively that potential is translated into a coherent, de-risked development pathway. At Makor, we are applying a disciplined, systems-led exploration approach - integrating geophysics, structural interpretation, and staged target validation - to ensure that the assets we advance are technically robust and capable of supporting long-term development.”

Execution and investment commitment

Makor Resources is advancing a structured, system-led exploration program across its portfolio, underpinned by disciplined capital deployment and a clear pathway toward development.

The company has committed to deploying approximately US$2 – US$3 million by year-end, focused on building geological clarity and advancing target definition across its greenfield positions through integrated geophysics, remote sensing, and systematic sampling.

As priority targets are defined and advanced, capital deployment is expected to scale to approximately US$20 – US$30 million over the coming years, directed toward drilling high-confidence targets, defining mineralised systems at scale, and advancing assets toward development readiness.

This phased and disciplined approach is designed to convert exploration into execution, building a pipeline of technically robust, development-ready assets capable of supporting long-term production and meeting the thresholds required for institutional capital and strategic partnership.