Copper Production Expected to Hit 1 Million Tonnes Before 2026

Copper production in Zambia is expected to reach one million tonnes per year by the end of 2025, according to the Ministry of Mines.

Permanent Secretary Hapegna Kabeta says the increased output is being driven by rising production levels at mining companies including Barrick Lumwana, Trident in Kalumbila and Kansanshi Mines.

The news marks strong progress towards President Hichilema’s aim to reach 3 million tonnes per year by the end of 2030, with production steadily on the rise since 2022, shortly after the President took office.

Last year production resumed at both Mopani Mines and Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) after the government succeeded in attracting additional investment to the sites, which had been shuttered under President Lungu’s administration. The growth of the mining sector has resulted in more jobs and increased tax revenue, which can be spent on roads, hospitals, and social protection.