Arlington, VA – The U.S. Trade and Development Agency is increasing U.S. access to critical minerals used for a wide range of applications that are critical to American commercial and defense interests. USTDA awarded funding to Metalex Africa Zambia Limited (Metalex), a subsidiary of Texas-based Metalex Commodities Inc., for a feasibility study to accelerate the expansion of a Zambian facility that extracts and processes copper and cobalt. The project will diversify U.S. supply chains to access these critical minerals. USTDA and Metalex announced their partnership in a ceremony that was held on Capitol Hill and witnessed by U.S. Senator Ted Cruz.

“USTDA’s partnership with Metalex will help ensure that U.S. industries can reliably access the inputs they need to remain secure, competitive, and prepared to meet the challenges of the future,” said Thomas R. Hardy, USTDA’s Acting Director. “By leveraging U.S. technology and expertise, this project will help expand Zambia’s mining sector, advancing responsible resource development to benefit both our nations.”

USTDA’s assistance will support Metalex’s plans to expand its extraction and refining operations at the Kazozu mine. This effort includes a comprehensive study to evaluate the potential for producing up to 25,000 additional metric tons of copper and cobalt concentrates each year. These critical minerals are essential for technologies like semiconductors, fiber optic networks, energy systems, and batteries, as well as applications in the aerospace and defense industries. By connecting Metalex with U.S. buyers, the study will help strengthen supply chains for these vital industries. The project also creates opportunities for U.S. companies to supply materials and equipment for the plant’s expansion.

USTDA-funded programming is carried out by U.S. companies. Businesses interested in submitting proposals for the feasibility study should visit www.ustda.gov/work/bid-on-an-overseas-project.

CEO of Metalex Commodities Ayo Sopitan said: “This grant from USTDA is a significant milestone for our project in Zambia, which will produce copper and cobalt destined for U.S. offtake. The grant will help us expand our current resource, define project phases as well as establish the feasibility of project expansion. Metalex is a U.S.-based producer of carbon-neutral critical metals with its flagship project being the Kazozu Copper-Cobalt mine, a project done in partnership with Zambian mining junior, Terra Metals.”

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The U.S. Trade and Development Agency strengthens U.S. national security by developing overseas infrastructure projects that make America safer, stronger and more prosperous. USTDA is the starting point for critical infrastructure. By funding the upfront work that sets projects in motion, the Agency accelerates the deployment of trusted U.S. technology to advance the shared priorities of the United States and its overseas partners.

MEDIA INQUIRIES: Paul Marin | press@ustda.gov