Chongqing — Chongqing Yuzan Mining Co., Ltd. said it has completed 20% of the geological survey for Zambia’s Muzuma transmission and distribution project, a key power line designed to strengthen electricity reliability between the country’s southern energy hubs and central industrial areas.
Located more than 9,000 kilometers from Chongqing, Zambia’s power grid has been operating under mounting strain, with long-standing infrastructure limitations leaving the system highly exposed to external shocks.
Since 2024, the nation has been ravaged by an extreme drought triggered by El Niño. With approximately 80% of Zambia’s electricity generated from hydropower, water levels at the Kariba Reservoir have plummeted to historic lows. This has forced the government to implement nationwide scheduled power cuts lasting between 17 and 24 hours daily.
The Kariba Dam is Zambia's primary power source. (Photo/Zambia Tourism)
To mitigate the acute power deficit, the Zambian government has accelerated its energy diversification strategy. Yuzan Mining, which has operated in Zambia for 15 years as of 2025, has evolved from a specialized mineral-exploration team into a comprehensive player in Zambia’s industrialization.
Beyond grid infrastructure, Yuzan Mining recently secured the survey contract for the 4x150MW Coal-Fired Power Plant Project (Phase I). This facility is regarded as a cornerstone of Zambia’s efforts to reduce its systemic over-reliance on hydropower and establish a stable baseload power supply.
The company’s expansion into non-energy sectors is equally significant. It is currently conducting geological assessments for a 300,000-ton phosphate fertilizer plant to support United Capital Fertilizer (UCF), a key player in the region’s agricultural supply chain.
Yuzan Mining workers are conducting surveys in Zambia. (Photo/Yuzan Mining)
To date, Yuzan Mining has executed more than 200 engineering surveys and testing projects across Zambia. Its parent company, Chongqing Geology & Mineral Group, stated that its technical expertise is now being deployed in more than 10 countries worldwide.
In Lusaka and the Copperbelt Province, Yuzan Mining employs a significant number of local technicians and engineers. This localization strategy is seen as a vital move to optimize operational costs and ensure project continuity and compliance as the Zambian government tightens local content and labor entry requirements.