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Zambia’s mining sector is entering a period of aggressive expansion, with national copper production poised to breach the historic one-million-tonne threshold by the end of 2025.
This surge follows a robust performance in 2024, where output climbed 12% to 820,676 tonnes, signalling a decisive recovery for the Southern African nation. The growth trajectory is underpinned by a resurgence in operational stability at key assets, including the resumption of activities at Konkola Copper Mines and Mopani Copper Mines, alongside significant capital injections from global majors.
The optimistic outlook for the sector is a primary driver behind Zambia’s broader economic recovery, with real GDP growth projected to hit 5.8% in 2025 before accelerating to an average of 6.5% through 2027.
This industrial momentum is being fueled by landmark projects such as Barrick Gold’s $2 billion “Super Pit” expansion at Lumwana, which saw copper output jump 41% year-on-year by September 2025. Such investments are increasingly focused on high-grade extraction and technological modernization, positioning the country to capitalize on the global appetite for transition minerals.
Regulatory shifts are also reshaping the investment landscape, as the government implements the Minerals Regulation Commission Act to streamline licensing and curb speculative hoarding. By shortening decision-making timeframes for mining licenses to 45 days, authorities aim to transform Zambia into a more agile and competitive destination for international capital.
Paul Kabuswe, the Minister of Mines and Minerals Development, recently emphasized the strategic importance of these reforms, stating, “The copper sector revival represents not just economic growth, but a fundamental shift in how we manage our mineral resources for sustainable development.”
Beyond the traditional copper backbone, the industry is witnessing a strategic tilt toward diversification. Notable growth in cobalt, nickel, and gold production is helping to build a more resilient mineral portfolio, insulating the economy from the volatility of single-commodity price cycles.
This shift is complemented by a stronger emphasis on local content, requiring mining firms to prioritize Zambian suppliers and services. As the sector moves toward its 2031 target of 3 million metric tons, the integration of these value chains is expected to anchor Zambia’s status as a critical hub in the global energy transition.
By: Nkosilathi Mudiyi
