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Zambia’s copper production in 2024 reached 820,676.34 metric tonnes, a 12 percent increase from 732,583.45 metric tonnes recorded in 2023, according to Mines and Minerals Development Minister Paul Kabuswe.
Speaking at a media briefing in Lusaka on Wednesday, Kabuswe attributed the growth to increased production at existing mines, resumption of operations at key sites, and the addition of new production capacities.
“Mines such as Lumwana demonstrated exceptional performance, with production doubling during this period,” Kabuswe said.
He also highlighted the recommencement of operations at Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) and Mopani Copper Mines as major contributors, along with the operationalization of Mimbula Mine.
The production of other mineral commodities also increased significantly in 2024: such as gold at 3,141.81 kg, up 40 percent from 2,237 kg in 2023.
He stated that cobalt stood at 1,409 metric tonnes up 581 percent from 207 metric tonnes.
Nickel was 21,039.55 Mt, up 164 percent from 7,979.95 metric tonnes.
Kabuswe indicated that manganese was at 134,932.48 metric tonnes, up 102 percent from 66,692.21 metric tonnes.
Emeralds stood at 31,578 kg, up 113 percent from 14,813 kg.
However, zinc and coal production declined sharply, with zinc dropping by 70 percent to 52,105.84 metric tonnes and coal falling by 75 percent to 174,624 metric tonnes.
Cement production rose to 3,262,318.78 metric tonnes in 2024, an 18 percent increase from 2,768,935 metric tonnes in 2023.
Additionally, the number of mining and non-mining licenses granted grew by 79 percent.
Read More: Group casts doubt on Zambia’s 2025 copper production target
“Artisanal Mining Rights (AMR) granted rose from 304 in 2023 to 680 in 2024, a 124 percent increase,” Kabuswe said, emphasizing the government’s commitment to prioritizing Zambian citizens in licensing.
He noted that 63 percent of all mining rights granted in 2024 had Zambian ownership.
Despite the sector’s progress, Kabuswe reported an increase in mining-related accidents, with 98 incidents recorded in 2024 compared to 43 in 2023.
Fatalities also rose from 19 to 31, largely due to illegal mining activities in the artisanal and small-scale mining subsector.
“The government will continue enforcing the law and calls on traditional leaders and local authorities to collaborate in eradicating illegal mining,” he stated.
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