Zambia Set to Surpass 1 Million Tonnes of Copper Production in 2026
Zambia Copper Production to Break 1 Million Tonnes in 2026 Driven by Canadian-Owned Mines
Zambia is on track to produce over 1 million tonnes of copper in 2026, a record milestone driven by expanded output from its largest Canadian-owned operations, Mines and Minerals Development Minister Paul Kabuswe has confirmed.
Last year, Zambia recorded its highest-ever production of nearly 890,346 tonnes, and Kabuswe told reporters in Lusaka in January that “this year, without a doubt, we will exceed one million tonnes.”
Copper remains the backbone of Zambia’s economy, accounting for roughly 70% of export earnings and serving as a core pillar of GDP.
In 2025, global copper prices surged nearly 50%, surpassing $13,000 per tonne for the first time. Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa’s two largest copper producers, were among the biggest beneficiaries of this rally.
The nation’s push toward the 1 million-tonne mark reflects both improved operational performance and substantial capital reinvestment in processing capacity across key mines in the Copperbelt and North-Western Province.
Canadian-Owned Mines Drive Zambia’s Copper Surge
Major contributors to the increased output are expansions at two of Zambia’s largest copper producers.
At the Kansanshi mine, a joint venture majority-owned by Canadian company First Quantum Minerals and Zambia’s state miner ZCCM‑IH, a US$1.25 billion expansion has increased throughput and stabilized production through upgraded processing capacity.
Meanwhile, the Lumwana copper mine, owned by Canadian-based Barrick Gold, is undergoing a multi‑billion-dollar expansion expected to significantly boost annual output as new facilities come online.
Zambia’s Long-Term Copper Ambitions
The Zambian government has also signaled ambitions beyond the 1 million-tonne milestone.
Under its National Three Million Tonnes Copper Production Strategy, authorities aim to triple production to 3 million tonnes annually by the early 2030s through a combination of brownfield expansions, greenfield projects, and artisanal mining development.
Industry analysts say that surpassing 1 million tonnes will reinforce Zambia’s status as a major global copper supplier amid rising demand for electrification and renewable energy, while supporting foreign exchange earnings, employment, and investor confidence.
