The government has announced that Zambia’s copper production increased by 8 per cent in 2025, but the country has still fallen short of the ambitious target of producing 1 million metric tons of copper.
Minister of Mines and Minerals Development Paul Kabuswe says the latest production figures show that copper output rose from 763,110.01 metric tons in 2024 to 823,475.17 metric tons in 2025.
While this marks steady growth in the mining sector, the output remains significantly below the one-million-ton benchmark set as a key milestone for the industry.
Mr. Kabuswe says that growth was recorded across several minerals. Cobalt production rose by 61 per cent, nickel by 8 per cent, silver by 5 per cent, gold by 17 percent, and coal by 28 per cent. However, zinc production declined by 25 per cent during the same period.
He has further disclosed copper and cobalt output increased by 8 per cent to 879,000.58 metric tons in 2025 from 805,479 metric tons in 2024.
The rise in copper production has largely been driven by improved performance at major mining operations following operational and ownership changes.
Sino Metals, which had suspended operations in February 2025 due to acid shortages, resumed full operations and recorded a 30 per cent increase in output from 167 metric tonnes in 2024 to 1,410 metric tonnes in 2025.
First Quantum Minerals (FQM) also recorded a 13 per cent rise in copper production, increasing output to 218,746 metric tonnes from 193,264 metric tonnes in 2024.
By Rachel Mumba
