Zambia’s copper production surged by approximately 30% in the first quarter of 2025, reaching around 224,000 metric tonnes compared to 173,000 metric tonnes during the same period in 2024, according to Mines Minister Paul Kabuswe.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Kabuswe attributed the increase to improved production at two major operations—Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) and Mopani Copper Mines—both of which have seen renewed investment and operational recovery.
This follows Zambia’s announcement earlier in January that total copper output for 2024 rose by 12%, hitting roughly 820,670 metric tonnes, up from 732,580 metric tonnes the year before.
The rebound in production comes despite the country grappling with severe electricity shortages caused by a prolonged drought that impacted hydroelectric power generation.
Zambia, Africa’s second-largest copper producer after the Democratic Republic of the Congo, continues to prioritize mining as a catalyst for economic growth.
The government has set an ambitious goal of tripling annual copper output to 3 million metric tonnes over the next decade.
