Mining Reforms Put Zambia on Track for Copper Production Milestone
Zambia’s Mining Sector Accelerates Toward 2031 Copper Production Target
The Government of Zambia has expressed confidence that the country will achieve its national target of producing three million metric tonnes of copper annually by 2031, citing sustained policy reforms and renewed momentum in the mining sector.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development, Dr Hapenga Kabeta, said the optimism is driven by progressive policy measures, the revitalisation of major mining operations, growing investor confidence, and expansion projects being implemented by several mining companies across the country.
Dr Kabeta noted that increased copper output would not only enable Zambia to meet rising global demand for the mineral but would also significantly contribute to economic growth, job creation, and broader national development.
He made the remarks when United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) Project Administrator Ms Kincso Vizi paid a courtesy call on him at his office in Lusaka.
During the meeting, Ms Vizi reaffirmed UNIDO’s commitment to supporting the Government by identifying policy and regulatory gaps related to the monitoring and reduction of mercury emissions from copper smelting operations.
She also highlighted efforts to promote the adoption and scaling up of best available and environmentally sound technologies within the mining sector.
Dr Kabeta welcomed UNIDO’s support, emphasizing the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring that increased copper production is achieved responsibly and sustainably, in line with national environmental standards and Zambia’s international obligations.
The meeting was also attended by the Director for Research and Knowledge Management at the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA).
