Zambia’s copper production increased by 8% in 2025, reaching 890,346 metric tons. This growth was primarily driven by significant output jumps at major operations, including a fourfold surge from Vedanta’s Konkola Copper Mines and a 40% rise at the revitalized Mopani mine. Additional boosts came from Kansanshi and Lubambe operations, reflecting renewed momentum across the sector. Despite this positive trend, the total fell short of the government’s ambitious one-million-ton target for the year. The shortfall was attributed to operational challenges, including a tailings dam collapse and lower ore grades at some sites. Nevertheless, Zambia, Africa’s second-largest copper producer, remains focused on its long-term goal of tripling output by 2031 to meet rising global demand for the metal essential to electric vehicles and clean energy infrastructure.
CNBC Africa
