Zambia is aiming to boost its annual copper output to one million tonnes this year – up from approximately 800 000 tonnes in 2024 – as the country intensifies efforts to position itself among the world’s leading copper producers.
The ramp-up is part of a long-term strategy to revitalise the mining sector and attract sustained foreign investment.
Zambia has laid out an ambitious plan to grow copper production from around 700 000 tonnes in 2021/22 to three million tonnes by 2032/33 – more than tripling the size of its copper industry within a decade, said Duncan Bonnett, partner at trade consultancy Africa House.
“We’re seeing significant brownfield expansion from existing copper producers, both in mining and refining.
“In addition, there’s a strong pipeline of greenfield project activity, not just in copper, but across the broader minerals sector as well.”
While Zambia has struggled to meet its one-million-tonne copper production target in recent years, signs are promising for a breakthrough in 2025.
According to government figures, copper production rose by 30% year-on-year in the first quarter, reaching approximately 224 000 tonnes compared to 173 000 tonnes during the same period last year.
“Mining remains the heartbeat of Zambia. It always has been and that is not changing,” said Bonnett, noting that significant reforms had taken place since President Hakainde Hichilema took office in 2021.
