By Rogan Labika,
Mining expert Charles Mulila has warned that escalating global conflicts involving Russia and Ukraine, as well as the recent direct military confrontation between Iran and Israel, could derail Zambia’s ambitious plan to reach 2 million metric tonnes of copper production.
Mr. Mulila said the Russia–Ukraine war has already strained African markets through rising grain and fertilizer prices. He noted that the emerging conflict in the Middle East is now targeting one of the continent’s most sensitive sectors—crude oil.
According to Mr. Mulila, the ongoing conflict will inevitably push fuel prices upward, a development that could have serious implications for mining-dependent economies.
He has since proposed a stockpiling strategy rather than forcing mineral exports into a depressed or disrupted global market.
