Industrial Development Corporation has entered into a joint venture aimed at reviving a century-old lime production facility in Zambia, part of broader efforts to strengthen local industrial production and support the country’s mining sector. The partnership is expected to modernise operations and restore large-scale output at the historic plant, according to Reuters and CNBC Africa.
Lime is a critical industrial material used extensively in copper processing, construction, agriculture, and manufacturing. Analysts say restoring domestic production capacity could help reduce import dependence while supporting Zambia’s expanding mining industry, particularly as global demand for copper rises due to the clean energy transition.
Officials said the joint venture will focus on upgrading infrastructure, improving efficiency, and increasing production volumes to meet growing industrial demand. The move aligns with Zambia’s wider strategy to revive key state-linked industries and attract investment into value-added manufacturing and mineral processing sectors.
Industry observers note that Zambia is increasingly positioning itself to benefit from rising global interest in critical minerals and industrial commodities. They add that investments in supporting infrastructure such as lime production could play a major role in strengthening mining supply chains, creating jobs, and improving industrial competitiveness across the country.
