RE: Colin bird15 Apr 2026 08:33
Hairdavey
Action taken on supply of sulphuric acid
By Zambia government
Zambia is one of the leading producers of sulphuric acid in the region; however, in August last year, the country experienced a shortage of the chemical, which is a critical input for the mining, manufacturing, and agriculture sectors.
The shortage resulted into a disruption of copper processing.
Minister of Information and Media, Cornelius Mweetwa, revealed at a briefing that, in a move to prevent a repeat of the shortage, Government has put measures in place to secure the local supply.
“Cabinet approved the issuance of a Statutory Instrument on the introduction of a permit-based export system on sulphuric acid, in order to ensure sustained availability for domestic industries, safeguard industrial output, and support Zambia’s copper production and economic growth agenda,” Mr Mweetwa said.
The permit system means companies cannot export sulphuric acid freely without approval. This ensures that enough of the chemical stays in the country to meet the needs of local industries that use the chemical.