SRK Consulting opens new practice in Zambia

SRK Consulting has officially opened a new practice in Kitwe, Zambia, strengthening its Southern African footprint at a pivotal moment for the country’s mining sector. The expansion aligns with the Zambian government’s renewed commitment to boosting investment in minerals exploration and production.

“The opportunities for growth in Zambia are significant,” said Des Mossop, partner and principal engineering geologist at SRK Consulting (South Africa). “With a revised mining cadastre in place, and the fact that more than half of the country’s surface remains unexplored, Zambia is an attractive investment destination for exploration and mining companies.”

Mossop added that SRK has a long history of consulting in Zambia and believes the timing is ideal for a stronger, more visible in-country presence. This decision comes amid plans to rapidly accelerate copper production with the government targeting a jump from 900,000 tonnes to three million tonnes of refined copper annually by 2032 and an increase in exploration projects for gold, iron ore, lithium, nickel, and cobalt.

Investment in transport corridors by American and Chinese partners is improving logistics in the country and enhancing mineral exports from southern and central Africa. The government is also focusing on providing a more reliable power supply and expanding infrastructure to enable further mining growth.

“Establishing an SRK Consulting office in Kitwe enables us to work more closely with our clients and respond more effectively to their needs,” said Able Tunono, the Zambian geotechnical engineer heading the practice. “This new base is close to Zambia’s centre of copper mining, and also in close proximity to operations in the DRC.”

Tunono noted that mining activity is expanding beyond the Copperbelt into new areas, including the North-Western province, which can now be serviced efficiently from Kitwe. SRK’s expertise extends beyond mining, covering water, energy, and infrastructure, allowing the company to support clients throughout the mining lifecycle from exploration to mine closure.

Paul Aucamp, partner and principal engineering geologist at SRK Consulting (South Africa), highlighted the importance of geotechnical, civils, water, and foundation engineering teams in supporting mining operations.

“One of the significant risks faced by new mining operations is geotechnical risks that may increase project initiation costs for heavy infrastructure and tailings dams,” Aucamp said. “Water is also both a danger and necessity for mining operations. Our civils teams provide expertise in surface and underground water management, pumping, disaster management relating to flood and storm water risks, and the provision of water for mine operations.”

SRK’s services also include due diligence and compliance auditing, which are crucial for companies planning listings on various stock exchanges and those adhering to global standards such as the Copper Mark and GISTM, according to Hennie Booyens, principal engineering geologist at SRK Consulting (South Africa).

Operating under an employee-owned model, SRK Consulting meets Zambia’s requirements for local employee representation in international companies. With Zambia’s strong mining heritage, the country offers highly skilled local engineers, geologists, hydrologists, and consultants.

Tunono emphasized the firm’s commitment to ESG-related projects, stating: “We plan to grow the practice with the assistance of local expertise to benefit Zambian communities, the local economy, and the natural environment. We aim to work with clients to develop sustainable mining operations that support mine stakeholders and broader society.”

Ahead of this year’s Zambian International Mining and Energy Conference (ZIMEC), SRK will host a workshop on 24 March in Kitwe to launch SRK Consulting (Zambia) and showcase its extensive mining experience to prospective clients.