Zambia’s copper production has recorded 1.5pc increase - Tambatamba  

By MUBITA KATETE

ZAMBIA has recorded a 1.5 percent increase in copper production, from 672, 908 metric tonnes in 2025 to 683, 003 metric tonnes between January and September 2026, as Government pushes to achieve the three million metric tonnes annual production target by 2031, Brenda Tambatamba has announced.

Ms Tambatamba, the Mines and Minerals Development Minister says the country has also recorded significant growth in the production of other minerals, including nickel, emeralds, zinc, cobalt and gold.

Delivering a ministerial statement in Parliament on Wednesday, Ms Tambatamba said nickel production had increased by 143 percent, emeralds by 62 percent, zinc by 30 percent, cobalt by 18 percent and gold by 11 percent.

“The positive performance demonstrated progress in strengthening the mining sector and advancing Government’s ambition of making mining a major driver of economic growth.

Government remains committed to developing a productive, competitive and sustainable mining industry capable of delivering meaningful benefits to Zambians,” Ms Tambatamba said.

She said the Minerals Regulation Commission had, since becoming operational in 2025, granted 1, 060 mining licences, while the Mining Appeals Tribunal had handled 39 cases.

She said 76 mining companies were participating in the local content programme, with 847 local companies enrolled in the Supplier Development Programme to equip them with business management, financing and market access skills.

On mineral exploration, Ms Tambatamba said the nationwide high-resolution aerial geophysical survey had reached 98 percent completion as at October 2026.

She said the survey was expected to reduce exploration risks, attract domestic and international investment and unlock new mineral discoveries.

On investment, Ms Tambatamba said US$12.1 billion had been committed or was under implementation in major mining projects since 2021.

The projects include Mopani Copper Mines, Konkola Copper Mines, Kansanshi, Lumwana, Lubambe, Luanshya, Mingomba and Enterprise Nickel Mine.

She said the investments were critical to expanding production capacity, extending the lifespan of existing mines, creating employment and strengthening opportunities for local suppliers.

Ends.