Zambia’s mining sector is on a robust growth trajectory, with increased copper production in North-Western Province’s three largest mines signaling continued expansion. Minister of Mines Paul Kabuswe announced during a media engagement in Kalumbila District that copper output now stands at 810,000 metric tons annually.
Mr. Kabuswe, leading a delegation of government ministers on a tour of the province’s mines, expressed optimism about achieving the government’s ambitious target of three million metric tons of copper production annually. He cited the revival of Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) and Mopani Copper Mines, along with the opening of new mines under President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration, as key drivers of this goal.
Key Developments in Mining Sector
During a visit to the Super Pit expansion project at Barrick Lumwana Mine, several milestones were highlighted:
Production Growth: Copper output is projected to double from 120,000 to 240,000 metric tons per year by 2028.
Job Creation: Employment is set to rise from 2,500 to 8,500, with an additional 550 permanent jobs expected.
Local Employment: The mine’s workforce is 99% Zambian, with 40% being youths from Kalumbila District.
Environmental Initiatives: The mine is adopting modern, environmentally friendly technologies.
Minister Kabuswe emphasized that the anticipated surge in copper production is a testament to the stable policy environment established by the UPND-led government. He urged mining companies to ensure benefits trickle down to local communities through increased tax revenues, job creation, and environmental sustainability.
Gold Sales and Regional Development
Addressing concerns about gold sales at Kansanshi Mine, Mr. Kabuswe clarified that all gold is sold directly to the Bank of Zambia. Meanwhile, North-Western Province Minister Robert Lihefu announced President Hichilema’s two-day visit to the region, during which he will inaugurate key projects, including Kasenseli Gold Mine in Mwinilunga, Kalengwa Copper Mine in Mufumbwe, and a mini-hydro power station.
Mr. Lihefu praised the economic transformation of North-Western Province under President Hichilema’s leadership, citing the mines’ role in driving regional development.
Community Engagement and Workers’ Rights
The Mines Minister called on companies to collaborate with local leadership to foster transparency and community awareness of mining contributions. He also stressed the importance of safeguarding workers’ rights, proposing binding contracts for contractors to ensure fair treatment and timely payment of employees.
As Zambia advances toward its copper production targets, the government reiterated its commitment to leveraging mining for sustainable development and equitable economic growth.
But the elephant in the room is crippling blackouts, which stands firmly in the way of economic transformation. Why is it not being talked about day and night? Or is someone “methodically” working to urgently fix it behind the scenes?
Exactly until we are all treated equally nothing will happen as too many ministers Excempt from loadshedding and dont want to rock the boat
All these news mines and other investors where is the power going to come from ?
are they planning to drain Kariba every year ??
I think behind the scenes activity is goingon but not about ZESCO 🙂
@Mayo Mpapa, @Tikki
Loadshedding is temporary and is being addressed. Sit back; HH is behind the steering wheel, guiding us on a journey to a transformed Zambia.
GIVE HIM the credit… SUPPORT him!!!
FORESTY, Enviroment, and Tourism is sustainable they should be the leaders
Minerals eventually get depleted, or become unprofitable to mine
But some dont care as they wont be around at that time
Zambia needs to invest in agriculture and tourism,instead of mining.
Mining destroys and pollute the earth.
Agriculture is from God and that’s why the first family were in the garden of Eden,their first home.
The statistics UPND should be talking about is what is happening in our homes. Copper production can raise even to 10k metric tones, if it is given out for free the HH way is doing is doing means nothing to the Zambian people that voted. Today Zambian are over taxed villagers with no electricity in their homes, mealie meal at k350, fuel at k29, exchange rate at k27. We told you that HH only knows how to sell without any regards for consequences. This is why he has awakened the dead Lungu who will kick him out in a year and half from now. The locals needs to benefit from their own God given resources. HH’s interest is to impress his puppet masters.
I like most of your thinking
This short sightedness is so appaling….
First, these mines were from the Mwanawasa tenure except for Kalumbila which began in PF term. Kabuswe was asked in Parliament about some details of the Mopani sale, the chap referred the questioner to some write up where he could find the answer. For the first time the Speaker opposed a Upnd minister albeit politely.
Second, the so called BOOM can only be meaningful if whatever is booming is felt by the common man.
Copper production has boomed to 810, 000 tonnes from what quantity? Let people be educated from what level of production it was to how much Zambia outputs today.
@general kanene
Short sightedness No No No
Can you explain where is the power going to come from ??
Some say its only temporary ? if you call 2 to 3years sure and even then there will be sporadic cuts
Zesco needs to be privatised otherwise it will be excuse after excuse
Check out ZRA dam levels 3.7% perhaps that may help you yo understand our concern
Tikki
Our president is on record having advocated for dismantling Zesco with eventual privatisation. Due to public outcry, he may be considering doing that in the second term.
For now it will just be the fake failed 7-hours powering the nation programme.