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Zambia’s copper industry has recorded a production of 746,679.4 metric tonnes as of October 31, 2025, positioning the country to meet its one million-tonne target for the year, the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Development has confirmed.
Looking ahead, Zambia aims to increase annual copper output to three million tonnes by 2031.
PwC Zambia has highlighted that government initiatives—such as reviving dormant mines, improving energy supply, and enhancing transparency in licensing—will be crucial to achieving this long-term goal.
These insights were shared during the launch of the 2025 PwC Zambia Mining Review Report webinar yesterday.
Speaking during the live webinar on Thursday, Tobias Musonda, Director of Planning and Information at the Ministry, expressed confidence in meeting the 2025 target.
“We are very optimistic that the one million-tonne target will be achieved this year,” he said, citing government interventions designed to boost the sector.
Key among these initiatives is a nationwide high-resolution geophysical survey, expected to cover 66 percent of the country by the end of 2025 and 100 percent by mid-2026.
Musonda noted that the survey would attract investment in targeted exploration, foster joint ventures with private sector players, and support the artisanal and small-scale mining subsector.
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He also underscored the importance of transparency and accountability, noting that Zambia has been a member of the Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative since 2009, ensuring that mining benefits reach local communities while encouraging compliance and investment.
PwC Zambia Senior Partner, Andrew Chibuye, stressed that reaching the 2031 target of three million tonnes annually will require sustained investment, stable energy supply, and effective regulatory oversight.
Production growth is currently driven by increased output at major mines, including KCM, Mopani, and Kansanshi.
Chibuye noted that if all planned capacities come online, Zambia could produce nearly 1.96 million tonnes annually, highlighting the sector’s growth potential.
He also emphasized recent regulatory developments, such as the Minerals, Mines, and Minerals Regulation Commission Act, which aims to improve compliance, formalize artisanal and small-scale mining, and strengthen local content requirements.
“With proper execution, investment, and regulatory oversight, Zambia can significantly increase copper output, benefiting both the economy and local communities,” Chibuye said.
Meanwhile, Sokwani Chilembo, Chief Executive Officer of the Zambia Chamber of Mines, highlighted that the sector’s long-term growth depended on improving power supply, reducing capital costs, and attracting steady investment.
“Interest from global investors is strong, and the fundamentals of the sector remain robust,” he said, noting copper, nickel, and cobalt as key focus areas.
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