New technology trends in mining are offering opportunities for efficiency gains.

The Zambia Chamber of Mines (ZCM) is advocating the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies into technical education, vocational, and entrepreneurship training (TEVET) curricula.

This, according to ZCM, would encourage sector modernisation and enhance output in an industry that generates the most foreign currency in the Southern African country.

Charles Sakanya, ZCM vice president, made the plea during a meeting with science and technology minister Felix Mutati in the mineral-rich Kitwe, as plans for Zambia's hosting of the World Skills Africa Competition 2025 gain traction.

“Artisans need to get the latest skills for them to be relevant in a field that now employs AI to do exploration and targeted aerial mapping of minerals,” he said.

Sokwani Chilembo, CEO of ZCM, concurred, saying that Zambia faced a shortage of artisans equipped with the latest technology.

“The revision of the TEVET curriculum presents an opportunity for the mining sector to train more artisans,” Chilembo said.

In copper-rich Zambia, TEVET is critical in providing students with practical skills and knowledge to fulfill the demands of the employment market.

However, it has been noted that the sector has struggled to adapt to rapid technological changes.

Mutati urged the mining sector to formally engage in the modification of TEVET to ensure that the most recent technological advances are incorporated into training schools.

He praised the latest copper entrant, Mingomba Mine, in Chililabombwe's Copperbelt region, for using artificial intelligence into its current exploration projects.

Zambia plans to publish its AI Strategy in October, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of the country's independence.