By Cecilia Chiluba,Zambia,Lusaka
Zambia’s copper production has recorded an 8 percent surge, from 825,513.01 metric tonnes in 2024, to 890,345.79 metric tonnes in 2025.
According to Minister of Mines and Minerals Development Paul Kabuswe, the surge was due to the increase in output at Konkola Copper Mine (KCM), Mopani Copper Mine, Kansanshi and Lubambe mine.
Mr. Kabuswe told Reporters at a media briefing that KCM production rose by 366.58% to 80,215.33 metric tons in 2025 from 17,192.20 metric tons in 2024.
He also disclosed that Mopani production on the other hand continued to increase in 2025 compared to 2024 with its production increasing by 40.27% in 2025.
The Minister said this was a clear indication that Government policies are taking effect.
“As you may be aware, SINO Metals Leach halted operations in February, 2025 following a dam failure that occurred at its tailings storage facility. In 2024, SINO Metals Leach contributed 1.5% to the total annual copper production. ,” Mr. Kabuswe stated.
He added that with Zambia’s target of attaining three million tonnes of copper production per year by 2031, each tonne of copper counts.
Mr. Kabuswe encouraged SINO Metals mine to expedite its environmental remediation works as guided by stakeholders so that it resumes production in the shortest possible time.
He also revealed that First Quantum Minerals (FQM) Trident Mine in Kalumbila District, affected Zambia’s ability of reaching the one million copper production target for 2025.
“Its production in 2024 was 231,284.34 Metric tonnes against 189,577.44 Metric tonnes, which is a negative variance of 18%,” he stated.
Mr. Kabuswe further disclosed that the Mining Licensing Committee granted a total of 2,375 mining licences in 2025 compared to 2,175 in 2024, representing an overall increase of 9.20%.
He said the number of Artisanal Mining Rights (AMR) granted in 2025 stood at 1,068 compared to 680 in 2024, representing a57.06% increase.
“Other licences that require Zambian shareholding are Small-scale Exploration licenses and Small-Scale Mining Licences. 527 Smallscale Exploration licenses and 71 small-scale mining licences were granted in 2025,” he said.
Mr. Kabuswe added that out of the total of 2,375 licenses, about 1,666 rights with Zambian citizens’ presence were granted.
