Zambia’s Northwestern Mining Boom Creates 30,000 Jobs and Boosts Copper Outlook
The mining sector in Northwestern Province generated an additional 30,000 jobs last year, driven by major projects like the $2 billion expansion at Barrick’s Lumwana superpit.
Minister of Northwestern Province, Robert Lihefu, highlighted the impressive growth of the sector in the region, noting that three major projects—Barrick’s Lumwana mine, Kansenseli Gold Mine, and the Kalengwa Mine, which was reopened by President Hakainde Hichilema in November after 46 years of closure—accounted for approximately 27,000 jobs.
The remaining 3,000 jobs were created by smaller mining operations within the province.
Looking ahead, the minister expressed even greater optimism, stating, “In 2025, North Western Province is set to produce 810,000 metric tonnes of copper.”
Despite global economic challenges, President Hichilema has remained committed to job creation, aiming to improve livelihoods for Zambians and ensure food security for families.
Earlier this month, Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane reported that over 40,000 jobs were created last year, surpassing national employment targets.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Mines forecasted that national copper production in 2025 will exceed 1 million tonnes, aligning with President Hichilema’s ambitious goal of reaching 3 million tonnes annually by 2031.
