By: Chadrack Mayiji
Zambia’s copper mining sector delivered a significant performance in 2025, with national output rising 8% compared with the previous year — yet the country missed its ambitious goal of producing 1 million metric tonnes of copper.
According to official data published by Shanghai Metals Market (SMM), Zambia produced approximately 890,346 metric tonnes of copper last year, up from 825,513 tonnes in 2024. The increase reflects improved production at major mines, including Konkola Copper Mines (KCM), Mopani Copper Mines, Kansanshi, and the Lubambe Mine, but was not enough to reach the government’s target of 1 million tonnes.
Mines and Minerals Development Minister Paul Kabuswe emphasised that the growth — though modest relative to ambitions — signals progress. “This year’s performance demonstrates that Zambia’s policies to strengthen the mining sector are yielding results,” he said during a press briefing.
Mixed drivers behind the growth
The overall production increase was underpinned by strong output gains at several operations. For example, KCM saw its production jump sharply — a remarkable rise of more than 360% year-on-year — while Mopani posted approximately a 40% boost in output compared with 2024.
However, not all operations contributed equally. FQM Trident Mine, which had been expected to help Zambia reach the 1 million-tonne mark, saw production decline, dampening the overall growth.
Sector analysts and officials alike pointed to interruptions at mines affected by technical and environmental setbacks. One notable example was the operational halt at Sino-Metals Leach Zambia following a tailings storage facility failure in February 2025, which temporarily took production offline.
A broader trend of growth
The 8% increase in 2025 builds on a trend of rising output. Zambia’s copper production climbed by about 12% in 2024, reaching approximately 820,676 tonnes, driven largely by the recovery of major mines such as Lumwana and KCM.
In the first half of 2025 alone, copper production grew nearly 18% compared to the same period the previous year, with strong performances at KCM, Mopani, Kansanshi and Chibuluma mines.
Copper is Zambia’s most important export commodity, accounting for a large share of foreign exchange earnings. The sector’s performance is closely watched by investors and policymakers alike, especially amid a global environment of tight copper markets and strong demand for the metal in electric vehicles, renewable energy systems and infrastructure.
While Zambia missed its 2025 target, the government remains upbeat about prospects for the current year. Following the release of the 2025 figures, officials restated their ambition to surpass the 1 million-tonne mark in 2026, backed by ongoing investment, reforms in the mining tax regime and enhanced geological surveying.
Looking ahead
Achieving and sustaining higher copper output will not be without challenges. Power constraints, infrastructure bottlenecks, and environmental concerns remain issues for the sector. Moreover, recent high-profile environmental incidents have underscored the need for stronger regulation and community engagement.
Still, with production on an upward trajectory, Zambia is positioning itself as a key supplier in the global copper market. Reaching the 3 million tonnes per year goal by 2031 will require continued investment, operational stability and long-term policy consistency — but the foundation is strengthening.