“Copper production to hit 1m tonnes before 2026”
By Sharon Siame
Zambia’s copper production is expected to reach over one million tonnes by the end of 2025.
Ministry of Mines Permanent Secretary, Hapenga Kabeta, says there is an upward movement of copper production by mining companies such as Barrick Lumwana, Trident in Kalumbila, and Kansanshi Mines.
Dr. Kabeta says it is also expected that the country will attain the set goal of at least 3 million metric tons of copper production by 2030, as the level of copper production has been systematically increasing since 2022.
Dr. Kabeta told ZNBC News in an interview that the mining companies commissioned by President Hakainde Hichilema in 2024 are also expected to start production.
He said the mining firms are expected to contribute to the 3 million tons target.
Dr. Kabeta also said the mining industry was negatively affected by the drought in 2024, which resulted in power supply challenges and caused mining companies to fail to meet their production targets.
