Zambia targets massive copper production increase by 2031

Zambia is pursuing an ambitious strategy to expand its mining sector, specifically targeting copper production of one million metric tonnes by 2026 and three million metric tonnes by 2031. To support this growth, the government has implemented the National Mineral Resources Development Policy to improve geological mapping and exploration, with a countrywide mapping programme reported to be 94.2% complete.

Regulatory reforms are also underway, including the establishment of the Minerals Regulation Commission under the Minerals Regulation Commission Act 2024 to manage licensing and coordination. These efforts aim to create a more efficient environment for investors and facilitate new mining operations.

However, industry experts are debating whether the nation should focus solely on increasing raw output or pivot toward value addition. Analysts suggest that local processing of copper could increase export earnings and industrial growth by up to ten times compared to exporting raw or semi-processed cathodes. Experts argue that prioritizing value addition could serve as a catalyst for sustained economic transformation, job creation, and greater wealth retention within the country.