BHP, Minmetals, First Quantum to up Zambian copper exploration

Bloomberg reports BHP Billiton Ltd., the largest mining company, Minmetals Resources Ltd. (1208) and First Quantum Minerals Ltd. are stepping up copper exploration in Zambia after prices for the metal more than doubled over the past two years.

Bloomberg reports:

“We are currently actively seeking more titles in the country,” Ian Maxwell, president of BHP Billiton minerals exploration, said today at Zambia’s first mining conference, in Lusaka. “We intend to build our position in this country.”