19/05/2026
Zambia on Course for 3 Million Metric Tonnes Copper Output by 2031
Kitwe, 19 May, 2026-Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development-Zambia Permanent Secretary Dr. Hapenga Kabeta says Zambia remains on course to transform its mining sector and achieve the ambitious target of producing three million metric tonnes of copper annually by 2031.
Speaking during a plenary discussion at the Copperbelt Agricultural, Mining, Industrial and Networking Expo 2026 at Kitwe Showgrounds, Dr. Kabeta said government’s roadmap is anchored on strategic investments, policy reforms, and enhanced exploration to unlock Zambia’s full mineral potential.
He said the global shift toward clean energy and advanced technologies has created increased demand for critical minerals such as copper, cobalt, nickel, manganese and lithium, placing Zambia in a strategic position to benefit from the changing global economy.
Dr. Kabeta noted that copper production has continued to grow, rising from approximately 825,000 metric tonnes in 2024 to over 890,000 metric tonnes in 2025, driven by improved operations at key mines including Konkola Copper Mines, Mopani Copper Mines, Kansanshi Mining and Lubambe Copper Mine.
He added that government interventions such as the recapitalization of brownfield mines, the relaunch of key operations, and expansion projects at Kansanshi S3 Expansion Project and Lumwana Super Pit Expansion are expected to significantly boost output in the coming years.
Dr. Kabeta also highlighted major new investments in the sector, including the US$600 million Sinomine Kitumba Project, the US$1.25 billion Kansanshi S3 expansion, and the US$2.3 billion Mingomba Project by KoBold Metals, describing them as evidence of growing investor confidence in Zambia’s mining industry.
He said recent legal reforms under the Geological and Minerals Development Act No. 2 of 2025 and the Minerals Regulation Commission are improving governance, transparency and efficiency in the sector.
Dr. Kabeta emphasized that government is also investing in geological surveys, energy diversification, and artisanal mining formalization to ensure long-term sustainability. He said more than 1,000 artisanal mining rights were granted in 2025 as part of efforts to empower local communities and broaden participation in the mining value chain.
He reaffirmed government’s commitment to ensuring Zambia moves beyond exporting raw minerals by promoting local processing, refining and value addition, positioning the country as one of Africa’s leading mining investment destinations
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