Zambia’s copper production rose 8 percent in 2025 from the previous year, supported by stronger output at several major mines, the mines ministry said on Tuesday, though the country fell short of its annual production target.
Africa’s second-largest copper producer generated 890,346 metric tonnes of copper last year, up from 825,513 tonnes in 2024 but below the government’s target of 1 million tonnes.
Copper is Zambia’s main export and a critical source of foreign exchange and government revenue. The sector has been a focus of policy reforms aimed at reviving investment and boosting output after years of underperformance.
The government has set an ambitious goal to raise copper production to 3 million tonnes annually by 2031 as it seeks to capitalise on rising global demand driven by the transition to electric vehicles, renewable energy and power infrastructure.
Last year’s increase in output was largely driven by Vedanta Resources-owned Konkola Copper Mines (KCM), which recorded a four-fold rise in production to 80,215 tonnes following the resolution of a long-running ownership dispute with the Zambian government.
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KCM was returned to Vedanta’s control in 2024 after an agreement that paved the way for renewed capital investment, debt restructuring and the resumption of mining activities. The mine had previously operated at reduced capacity after being placed under provisional liquidation in 2019.
Production also rose sharply at Mopani Copper Mines, which increased output by 40% following its acquisition by the United Arab Emirates-based International Resources Holding in 2023. The new owner has committed to injecting fresh capital to stabilise operations and expand output at one of the country’s largest mining assets.
Additional gains were recorded at First Quantum Minerals’ Kansanshi mine, Zambia’s largest copper producer, and at the Lubambe mine operated by China’s JCHX Mining Management, the ministry said.
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Despite the overall increase, Zambia failed to meet its production target partly due to operational disruptions at smaller producers. A tailings dam collapse in February forced Sino-Metals Leach Zambia to suspend operations, reducing national output.
Another major operation, First Quantum Minerals’ Trident mine in north-western Zambia, recorded an 18% decline in output, partly due to lower ore grades, the ministry said. Trident includes the Sentinel copper mine, which has faced geological and cost challenges in recent years.
Industry analysts say while the 8% rise signals a recovery trend, Zambia’s production growth remains vulnerable to operational risks, ageing infrastructure and power supply constraints. Mining companies have also faced rising costs linked to fuel, labour and logistics.
Electricity supply remains a concern, particularly during drought periods that reduce hydropower generation, which accounts for most of Zambia’s electricity. Power shortages have previously forced mines to scale back operations or rely on costly diesel generation.
The government has sought to improve the investment climate by easing licensing processes, adjusting mining taxes and promoting renewable energy projects to support power-intensive industries such as mining.
President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration has repeatedly stressed that boosting copper output is central to Zambia’s economic recovery strategy, as higher production could help strengthen public finances, stabilise the currency and support debt restructuring efforts.
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Copper prices have remained relatively firm on global markets amid expectations of long-term supply deficits linked to the energy transition. However, short-term price volatility has persisted due to concerns over global growth and demand from China, the world’s largest copper consumer.
Zambia competes with the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa’s top copper producer, which has seen rapid output growth in recent years. To remain competitive, Zambia is banking on policy stability, investment partnerships and the expansion of existing mines rather than large new discoveries.
The mines ministry said it expects output to continue rising as investment programmes at major mines gather pace, though it acknowledged that achieving the 3 million-tonne target by 2031 would require sustained capital inflows, reliable power supply and improved operational efficiency.
For now, the ministry said the 2025 production increase reflects progress in stabilising the sector, even as structural and operational challenges persist.
