New Mines Minister Rallies Sector Behind Zambia’s 3 Million-Tonne Copper Production Goal
Zambia’s New Mines Minister Calls for Stronger Industry Collaboration to Achieve 3 Million Tonnes of Copper by 2031
Zambia’s newly appointed Mines and Minerals Development Minister, Brenda Tambatamba, has called for stronger collaboration across the mining sector as the country accelerates efforts to achieve its ambitious target of producing three million tonnes of copper annually by 2031.
Addressing senior management officials at the Ministry’s headquarters in Lusaka, Tambatamba emphasized that meeting the production target will require a unified approach involving government institutions, mining companies and other stakeholders across the value chain.
She stressed that accountability, coordination and collective responsibility will be critical to unlocking the full potential of Zambia’s mining industry, which remains a cornerstone of the national economy.
According to the minister, the mining sector continues to play a vital role in generating export earnings, attracting investment, creating employment and supporting public revenue.
The industry also provides the foundation for broader economic development by driving growth in related sectors and helping finance key government programmes.
Tambatamba noted that Zambia’s aspiration to substantially increase copper production aligns with the country’s Vision 2030 agenda and the Eighth National Development Plan, both of which place economic transformation and industrial growth at the centre of national development efforts.
She highlighted that the benefits of increased copper output would extend well beyond the mining industry, creating opportunities for growth in supporting sectors such as agriculture, transportation, manufacturing, energy and services.
The minister urged officials and institutions operating within the mining sector to embrace a culture of responsibility and performance, warning that inefficiencies within one part of the value chain can affect the success of the broader industry.
She called on departments, regulatory agencies and sector stakeholders to work together as a coordinated team focused on achieving shared national objectives.
Tambatamba also underscored the importance of professionalism, continuous learning and knowledge sharing, describing these elements as essential to building a modern and competitive mining sector capable of delivering long-term value to the country.
Zambia has placed the expansion of copper production at the centre of its economic strategy as global demand for the metal continues to rise, driven by renewable energy technologies, electric vehicles and infrastructure development.
The government views increased copper output as a key driver of economic growth, job creation and investment attraction over the coming decade.
The minister pledged to work closely with technical experts, industry participants and government institutions to provide the leadership and policy direction needed to achieve the country’s ambitious production targets.
She said competence, integrity, productivity and teamwork would remain central to efforts aimed at strengthening Zambia’s mining sector and positioning the country as one of the world’s leading copper producers.
