Zambia’s Mining Sector Posts Strong Growth in 2025 on Rising Copper Output and Policy Reforms

Zambia Mining Sector Grows in 2025 as Copper Production Rises 8% and Major Investments Advance

Zambia’s mining sector recorded strong growth in 2025, driven by an increase in copper production, rising investment, expanded licensing activity, and wide-ranging policy reforms aimed at strengthening the industry’s contribution to socio-economic development.

Speaking at a press briefing, the Minister of Mines and Minerals Development, Honourable Paul C. Kabuswe, MP, said copper production the backbone of Zambia’s mining industry increased by 8 per cent, rising from 825,513.01 metric tonnes in 2024 to 890,345.79 metric tonnes in 2025.

The increase was largely supported by higher output at major operations, including Konkola Copper Mine, Mopani Copper Mine, Kansanshi Mine, and Lubambe Mine. Konkola Copper Mine recorded a significant production surge of 366.58 per cent, reaching 80,215.33 metric tonnes, while Mopani Copper Mine increased output by 40.27 per cent.

Despite the overall growth, the sector faced challenges. SINO Metals Leach suspended operations following a tailings dam failure, while First Quantum Minerals’ Trident Mine recorded an 18 per cent decline in production, impacting overall performance targets.

Progress was also recorded in mineral diversification. Cobalt production increased by 12 per cent to 352.97 metric tonnes, nickel production rose sharply by 616 per cent to 24,089.56 metric tonnes, and zinc output grew by 25 per cent to 65,134.11 metric tonnes. Emerald production reached 35,611.78 kilograms, while cement and coal output also showed year-on-year growth.

Minister Kabuswe highlighted government efforts to increase Zambian participation in the mining sector. In 2025, the Ministry of Mines issued 2,375 mining licences, representing a 9.2 per cent increase from 2024.

These included 1,068 artisanal mining rights, a 57.06 per cent increase, alongside growth in licences requiring Zambian shareholding, such as small-scale exploration and mining licences.

Significant new investments were also noted. The US$600 million Sinomine Kitumba Minerals project in Mumbwa District commenced ground stripping and open-pit mining in April 2025.

The project includes the development of a 50-megawatt solar power plant, which will contribute electricity to the national grid.

Meanwhile, First Quantum Minerals commissioned the US$1.25 billion Kansanshi S3 expansion project in August 2025. The expansion is expected to increase milling capacity, improve copper grades, extend the mine’s life by approximately 20 years, and create around 1,500 new jobs.

On the regulatory front, the Government enacted the Geological and Minerals Development Act No. 2 of 2025, replacing the 2015 legislation.

The new Act aims to strengthen geological mapping, exploration, mineral data management, and local content participation.

In addition, the Minerals Regulation Commission (MRC) became operational in 2025, taking responsibility for licensing and regulation, while the Ministry focuses on policy and technical oversight.

Local Content Regulations, introduced under Statutory Instrument No. 68 of 2025, came into effect on 1 January 2026. These regulations are designed to increase Zambian participation in mining operations and in the supply of goods and services across the mineral value chain.

The Government continues to advance its Three Million Tonnes Copper Production Strategy, which targets annual copper output of 3 million metric tonnes by 2031.

In 2025, Mimbula Mine commenced production, delivering 8,183.11 metric tonnes, while additional mines are expected to contribute a combined 22,000 metric tonnes in 2026.

Exploration under the National Critical Minerals Strategy progressed, with lithium exploration advancing in Mapatizya and Luano districts and graphite exploration underway in Petauke District.

The Countrywide High-Resolution Aerial Geophysical Survey (CHRAGS) reached 51.7 per cent coverage by the end of 2025, with full national coverage expected by July 2026.

Efforts to formalise artisanal and small-scale mining also continued. Since 2023, 1,663 artisanal mining rights have been granted, and more than 600 mining cooperatives have been trained in safe mining practices and environmental management.

Gold marketing centres were established in Mumbwa and Rufunsa districts to improve transparency and streamline gold sales.

Mining sector safety showed mixed results. Recorded accidents declined slightly from 92 in 2024 to 88 in 2025; however, fatalities increased from 12 to 20, largely due to illegal mining activities. Non-tax revenue collection rose by nearly 15 per cent, increasing from K115.4 million in 2024 to K132.7 million in 2025.

Minister Kabuswe concluded by reaffirming the Government’s commitment to ongoing mining sector reforms, sustainable resource development, and the sector’s role as a key driver of Zambia’s economic growth.