Zambia’s copper output continues to gain momentum
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Zambia’s copper output continues to gain momentum
Zambia’s copper output rose 8% to 890,346 tonnes in 2025
Although Zambia has increased its copper output significantly in 2025 the country has not reached the million-tonne ambition it set out to achieve three years ago.
Earlier this week Minister of Mines Paul Kabuswe announced that Zambia’s copper output rose by 8% to 890,346 tonnes in 2025.
This is a great achievement, and the one million tonne goal could have been reached if several challenges (including energy) did not constrain operations at several mines.
The performance marks the second consecutive year of growth in copper output for the Southern African nation.
The 2024 results already reflected a 12% increase compared to 2023.
This momentum continued in 2025.
Production on the move
According to Kabuswe these outstanding results were driven by gains recorded at the Mopani mines, owned by International Resources Holding of the United Arab Emirates, which saw a 40% increase, and Konkola, owned by Vedanta Resources.
The Kansanshi mine, operated by Canada’s First Quantum, also saw its production rise by 5%.
The increase in output coincided with a 30% increase in copper prices over the last 12 months.
Kabuswe says that additional tonnes will be added this year at the Kitumba project led by China’s Sinomine Resources, while output is expected the increase substantially at Kansanshi.
Moreover, companies like Barrick Mining (Lumwana), JCHX (Lubambe), and Vedanta have announced cumulative investments of more than one billion dollars to up the ante at their operations.
Zambian inflation now below 10%
Meanwhile Zambia’s inflation rate has dropped below 10% for the first time since 2023, signaling growing relief for consumers and policymakers.
Annual inflation eased to 9.4% this January, helped by a stronger kwacha and cooling food and non-food prices. The currency has surged 16% since December, buoyed by central bank controls on foreign-currency use and a rally in copper prices, the nation’s primary export.
Remember that WhyAfrica will be visiting Zambia in a mini version of its WhyAfrica overland road trips from 22 March to 02 April 2026 so if you want to become part of the 2026 WhyAfrica Zambia Road Trip story, contact us as soon as you can.
WhyAfrica specialises in the sustainable use and responsible development of Africa’s natural resources.
Image: Barrick’s Lumwana copper mine in Zambia is not only growing in size but also in stature. Image credit: Leon Louw for WhyAfrica
Zambia’s copper output continues to gain momentum