Zambia restates copper ambition after posting record output

Zambia expects copper output to top 1 million tons this year, after posting record production in 2025.

Output climbed by 8% to an all-time high of almost 890,346 tons last year, according to data released by Mines and Minerals Development Minister Paul Kabuswe, who’s confident Zambia can fulfill its ambition of exceeding 1 million tons in 2026.

“This year without a doubt, definitely we’ll go beyond a million,” the minister said at a press briefing on Tuesday.

Zambia, which relies on copper for more than 70% of its export earnings, is benefiting from a record-breaking rally in the price of the metal used in everything from electric cars to wind turbines. That’s helped bolster the currency of Africa’s second-largest copper producer.

The nation increased copper output despite electricity constraints, after a drought in 2024 curbed critical hydropower production that accounts for 85% of its generation capacity. Zambia is targeting copper production of 3 million tons by 2031.

Major companies operating in the country include First Quantum Minerals Ltd. which accounts for almost half of Zambia’s copper output, as well as units of Abu Dhabi’s International Resources Holding, Barrick Mining Corp and Vedanta Resources. The production total also includes small artisanal producers.

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