Zambia: Metalex Cobalt and Copper Production Expansion
July 22, 2026
- September 5, 2026
Metalex Africa Zambia Limited (“Metalex”) invites submission of qualifications and proposal data (collectively referred to as the “Proposal”) from interested U.S. firms that are qualified on the basis of experience and capability to execute a feasibility study (the “Study”) for the proposed expansion of copper and cobalt mining and concentrating at its Kazozu mine in Zambia’s Northern Province (the “Project”). The Proposal submission deadline has been extended to September 5, 2026 at 5:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. The U.S. firm selected will be paid in U.S. dollars from a $3,567,000 grant to Metalex from the U.S. Trade and Development Agency.
Prospective Offerors may submit questions related to the content of this RFP to: RFP@ustda.gov. The deadline for submitting questions shall be July 31, 2026, 3:00PM EDT. The email subject line must read: “RFP Question: Metalex Cobalt and Copper Production Expansion; 2025-11011A.”
About the Grantee
Founded in 2020 by Gabriel Ayobamigbe “Ayo” Sopitan, Chief Executive Officer, and Sevaan “Sev” Bazil, Chief Commercial Officer, Metalex is a Zambia-based mining company that currently operates the Kazozu mine and processing complex in Mwinilunga, which is in Zambia’s Northwestern Province. Metalex is a subsidiary of Metalex Commodities Inc., a Texas-based and Delaware-incorporated producer, processor, and trader of critical minerals with operations in Nigeria, Mauritania, and Zambia. Metalex’s team includes 140 professionals, including geologists, metallurgists, forestry experts, and finance and operations specialists.
Project Background
The Project consists of increasing mining and production capacity at the Metalex’s Kazozu mine by up to 25,000 additional metric tons of copper and cobalt concentrates.
About the Study
The objective of the Study is to evaluate the commercial viability of Metalex’s copper and cobalt mining and processing complex in Mwinilunga in Zambia’s Northwestern Province. The original RFP for the Study was issued in January 2026 and closed on February 17, 2027. Following feedback from prospective bidders, USTDA and Metalex subsequently amended the grant agreement, including increasing the budget and changing the terms of reference, to reflect bidder feedback.
The Study involves a comprehensive exploration and drilling campaign program, including geological data collection across three mining license areas, resource assessment, metallurgical test works, plant feasibility study, energy supply feasibility, logistics feasibility, economic feasibility and financing plan, Environmental Impact Assessment, Climate Resilience Assessment, offtaker identification, and an Implementation Plan.
