Zambia’s Mining Sector Rebounds as Copper Production Accelerates
Zambia Mining Production Surges as Mopani and KCM Drive Industry Recovery
Zambia’s mining industry is experiencing a marked improvement in production, with several major operations returning to stronger output and new investment beginning to translate into increased activity across the sector.
The Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development says the recovery reflects renewed confidence in Zambia’s mining industry after a period characterised by declining production, operational difficulties and limited investment at some of the country’s major mines.
Permanent Secretary Dr Hapenga Kabeta said the change is particularly evident at operations such as Mopani Copper Mines and Konkola Copper Mines (KCM), which have both made significant progress following periods of uncertainty.
Mopani and KCM regain momentum
Mopani Copper Mines has resumed operations under new ownership following the acquisition of a 51% stake by UAE-based International Resources Holding (IRH) for $1.1 billion in 2024.
The investment has brought renewed activity to the mine as the new owners work to improve operations and increase copper production.
At KCM, operations have also picked up following the return of Vedanta Resources as the majority shareholder.
Kabeta said KCM has recently achieved monthly copper production of around 10,000 tonnes, a significant improvement for an operation that had experienced prolonged production challenges.
The increased output from the two mines is expected to make a growing contribution to Zambia’s overall copper production as the Government works to rebuild capacity across the sector.
New investment adds to production growth
The recovery is not limited to existing operations. Several major mining projects are moving forward, adding new investment and future production capacity to the industry.
At Kansanshi Mine, First Quantum Minerals is implementing its $1.25 billion S3 expansion, which includes the development of additional mining and processing capacity.
The project is expected to substantially increase Kansanshi’s processing capacity and extend the mine’s productive life, while creating opportunities for Zambian contractors, suppliers and workers.
Further growth is expected from Lumwana Mine, where Barrick is advancing its approximately $2 billion Super Pit expansion.
The project is designed to transform Lumwana into a significantly larger copper operation, with higher production expected once the expansion is completed.
Beyond copper
While copper remains at the centre of Zambia’s mining industry, the Government is also seeking to accelerate development of other minerals.
Exploration and investment interest is increasing in gold, manganese, nickel, lithium and other critical minerals, providing an opportunity to broaden the contribution of mining to the economy.
The diversification drive is particularly significant as global demand for critical minerals increases, driven by energy transition technologies, electric vehicles, renewable power infrastructure and growing electricity demand.
Building towards 3 million tonnes
The improvement in production comes as Zambia works towards its target of producing 3 million tonnes of copper annually by 2031.
The target will require a combination of higher output from existing mines, expansion of established operations, development of new projects and increased exploration.
Government estimates that billions of dollars in mining investment have already been committed in recent years, with further capital expected as projects move from exploration and feasibility studies into development.
However, maintaining production growth will require the industry to overcome several longstanding constraints, particularly electricity availability, infrastructure capacity, project financing and the need for a predictable investment environment.
For now, the return of stronger production at some of Zambia’s largest mines, coupled with major expansion projects already under way, is providing fresh momentum to an industry that remains critical to the country’s export earnings and economic growth.
The challenge for Zambia will be to sustain this momentum and convert the current investment cycle into long-term increases in mineral production, local participation and broader economic benefits.
