In a bold strategic move that reflects the growing importance of copper in the global economy, Vedanta Resources Limited has announced the launch of CopperTech Metals Inc., a US-domiciled company designed to strengthen critical supply chains and cater to the surging demand for copper driven by modern technology and infrastructure needs. The initiative is a well-researched move aligned with global trends in electrification, decarbonisation, and supply-chain security.
Besides, CopperTech will own and operate the Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) in Zambia or Vedanta Zambia, one of the highest-grade copper-producing assets globally with proven cobalt reserves.
Meeting Surge in Demand: A Strategic Vision
Copper today plays an important role in industrial transformation; from electric vehicle manufacturing to data centres, renewable energy systems, grid modernisation and defence technologies, copper is used almost everywhere. Even the global copper demand is expected to rise significantly. According to Fortune Business Insights, the global copper market size was valued at USD 261.93 billion in 2025 and it is expected to grow from USD 279.29 billion in 2026 to USD 466.67 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 6.63% during the forecast period.
In line with this global trend, Vedanta’s launch of CopperTech Metals is a strategic move that will position it as a key global supplier of critical minerals. Besides, CopperTech, which owns Vedanta Zambia, aligns its moves with emerging needs in the United States – a nation that currently imports roughly 45% of its refined copper consumption.
CopperTech Metals Aims to Bridge the Gap
CopperTech Metals will own and operate the Vedanta KCM in Zambia’s Copperbelt, which is one of the highest-grade copper basins globally, with proven cobalt reserves and ore grades far above global averages. Will be built on the existing USD 3 billion investment made by Vedanta Resources Limited in the Konkola Copper Mines, including the construction of a deep mine shaft, a smelter and a concentrator, and engaging in general mine development. Vedanta further intends to invest an additional USD 1.5 billion in the operations.
What makes Konkola particularly important is its exceptional ore quality, grades averaging around 2.9%, with deeper sections reaching as high as 3.3%. In an industry where average ore quality keeps decreasing, this move will give CopperTech a competitive edge in both cost and efficiency.
Production Growth and Global Impact
CopperTech has huge ambitions; it intends to leverage advanced mining AI-driven resource identification and extraction technology to expand production capacity and enhance operational efficiency. The company is looking forward to improving the current planned integrated copper production from around 140,000 tonnes in FY26 to 300,000 tonnes by 2031, with aspirations to reach 500,000 tonnes per year in the longer term. If realised, this would place CopperTech among the top copper producers in the world, serving markets that are rapidly shifting away from fossil fuel dependency.
Such expansion plays an important role in today’s sustainable world, where the global economies are focused on achieving net-zero emissions goals.
While talking about this development, Anil Agarwal, Founder and Chairman of Vedanta Group, stated that CopperTech will play an important role in connecting America’s critical mineral needs with Zambia’s historic copper legacy. This partnership will unlock a wave of innovation and advancement in clean energy, technology, and industrial progress on both sides of the Atlantic.
A Pivotal Moment for Critical Minerals Security
By establishing a US-domiciled entity focused on copper and cobalt, which are important components in energy transition technologies, electrification and industrial onshoring, Vedanta is contributing to a broader geopolitical and economic shift toward critical minerals security. This shift is gaining wider popularity as world economies look to diversify supply chains and reduce reliance on concentrated sources of critical resources.
CopperTech Metals is positioned not just as a producer, but as a strategic partner for national infrastructure projects, defence ecosystems, renewable energy targets and technological advancement.
Looking Ahead
The launch of CopperTech Metals as the owner of Vedanta Zambia KCM is a forward-looking approach blending resource heritage and next-generation technology. It is a clear indicator that the world’s next industrial chapter- whether driven by digital expansion, clean energy or secure supply chains- will need copper and similar minerals.
By achieving its planned production goals, the establishment of CopperTech will not just be a win for Vedanta Zambia or the US, rather it will fundamentally reshape how critical minerals are sourced, processed and supplied to support tomorrow’s infrastructure, innovation and energy ecosystems.