Zambia's copper production increased by 8% in 2025 to a record 890.35 thousand tonnes, Mines and Mineral Resources Minister Paul Kabuswe said.
He is confident that production will increase in 2026.
"This year, without a doubt, we will definitely exceed a million tonnes," the minister said at a press conference on Tuesday.
Copper accounts for more 70% of Zambia's export earnings. The country plans to increase copper production to 3 million tons by 2031.
The largest copper producers in Zambia are First Quantum Minerals Ltd., which accounts for almost half of production, as well as divisions of International Resources Holding, Barrick Mining Corp. and Vedanta Resources Ltd.
