HOW TO EXPORT COPPER FROM ZAMBIA
A practical walkthrough for copper exporters in Zambia — from securing the export permit to receiving buyer payment. Built from real shipments through Solwezi/Kitwe → Dar es Salaam (Tazara rail / road).
1. Confirm mining title and royalty
Active mining licence with Ministry of Mines & Minerals Development and Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA). Royalty: Copper sliding 5.5 % (LME <$4,500) to 10 % (LME >$9,000); cobalt 8 %; gold 6 %.
2. Lock the buyer contract
Fixed payable %, TC/RC, freight basis (FOB/CIF), payment terms (sight LC strongly preferred for first shipment), assay arbitration clause.
3. Independent assay and weighing
Engage SGS / Bureau Veritas / ALS for sampling, moisture and assay. Insist on umpire clause in the contract.
4. Documents
Compile the full document pack:
- Mining licence (large or small scale)
- Export permit (Mines & Minerals Dev)
- ZRA customs entry
- Certificate of Origin (COMESA / SADC)
- ASYCUDA declaration
- Independent assay
- Transit bond Zambia→Tanzania
- Bill of Lading
5. Logistics
Route via Solwezi/Kitwe → Dar es Salaam (Tazara rail / road); south via Chirundu to Durban; Lusaka airport for precious. Use a bonded transporter for cross-border, and an experienced clearing agent at the exit point.
6. Common mistakes to avoid
Real-world traps that delay or block shipments:
- Royalty miscalculation on sliding scale
- No COMESA CO → loses preferential tariff
- Using unbonded transporter for Tazara corridor → cargo held at Kasumbalesa or Tunduma
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit for every copper shipment?
In Zambia, yes — each shipment needs an export permit reference tied to the mining licence, even under a long-term offtake.
What payment terms should I demand?
First-time buyer: 90–100 % sight LC against shipping documents. Repeat buyers: 80 % provisional on shipment, 20 % final on umpire assay.