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The Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development says Zambia remains on track to achieve its target of producing three million metric tonnes of copper annually by 2031, with expanding mine output, new investments and increased exploration expected to drive future growth.
Permanent Secretary, Hapenga Kabeta, said government was optimistic that the ambitious production target would be met, with a clear strategy identifying where the additional copper would come from.
“We are very positive about going towards the three million metric tonnes of copper,” Kabeta said in an interview with journalists in Lusaka on Tuesday.
He said government’s production roadmap projected that about 1.5 million metric tonnes would come from expansions at existing mines, while approximately 1.25 million metric tonnes would be generated from new greenfield mining projects. Small-scale mining operations are expected to contribute the remaining output.
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Kabeta said recent fiscal reforms had improved Zambia’s attractiveness to major global mining companies, while ongoing exploration activities were expected to result in at least three new mining operations coming on stream before 2031.
He noted that Zambia had already recorded steady growth in copper production over the past three years.
Copper output increased from about 732,000 metric tonnes in 2023 to 825,000 metric tonnes in 2024 before rising to 891,000 metric tonnes by the end of 2025.
Kabeta attributed the growth to Government reforms that had helped attract about US$14 billion in pledged and actualised mining investments, alongside efforts to revive previously dormant mining operations.
He said increased investor confidence had also been supported by Government’s approach of resolving mining disputes through dialogue, which had facilitated the reopening and expansion of major mining operations.
Government has set the 2031 production target as part of its strategy to expand the mining sector, increase export earnings and position Zambia among the world’s leading copper producers.
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