Zambia Targets 1 Million Tons of Copper in 2025 as Mine Revivals Boost Output
Zambia’s copper production is expected to reach approximately 1 million metric tons in 2025, up from an estimated 820,000 tons in 2024, according to Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane.
This projected 22% year-over-year increase signals a major recovery for Africa’s second-largest copper producer and reflects a broader resurgence in the country’s mining sector.
The growth is being fueled by the revival of key operations, including the Lubambe, Luanshya, and Kalengwa mines. Despite falling short of the 1 million-ton target in previous years, the government remains committed to reaching its long-term goal of 3 million tons annually within the next decade.
Major mining firms such as First Quantum Minerals and Barrick Gold are investing heavily to expand production and support this vision.
Industry analysts attribute the positive trajectory to a combination of improved operational efficiencies, technological innovation, and strategic reforms. First Quantum’s Sentinel mine, for example, uses autonomous drilling systems and real-time ore grade analysis—boosting recovery rates by up to 18% over traditional methods.
A reformed mineral royalty tax system, now based on a sliding scale linked to global copper prices, has also improved investor confidence. Since its implementation, it has sparked an estimated $1.5 billion in new investments.
In parallel, the government has tackled one of the sector’s most persistent challenges—energy supply—through the commissioning of the 750MW Kafue Gorge Lower Hydroelectric Project. This development is now delivering stable power to Zambia’s energy-intensive mining operations.
Mining Minister Paul Kabuswe emphasized that the copper sector revival is more than just economic progress. “It represents a fundamental shift in how we manage our mineral resources for sustainable development,” he stated.
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