Kabeta highlights rise in copper production

Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development Permanent Secretary, Hapenga Kabeta, has disclosed that copper out production increased from 728,558 metric tonnes in 2023 to 824,425 metric tonnes in 2024, representing a 13.1 percent increase. Dr Kabeta further revealed that copper production rose to 890,345.79 metric tonnes in 2025, an eight percent increase from 2024 levels, with projections indicating that production will exceed one million metric tonnes by the end of 2026. Speaking during the launch of Inaugural Ministerial Statistical Bulletin covering the period 2020 to 2024, in Lusaka today, Dr Kabeta said Zambia’s mineral portfolio is becoming increasingly diversified, with nickel production rising significantly from 3,226 metric tonnes in 2020 to more than 21,000 metric tonnes in 2024.

He stated that cobalt, manganese and gold also recorded positive performance during the review period. Dr Kabeta revealed that employment in the mining sector grew from 59,371 jobs in 2020 to 90,117 in 2024, representing a 51.8 percent increase. He added that female participation in the sector also improved, with women accounting for 11.3 percent of the workforce in 2023 compared to 7.8 percent in 2020.Dr Kabeta further said the bulletin also highlights strong investment performance, with committed investments amounting to 6.9 billion United States Dollars, while actual investments reached 10.38 billion dollars during the review period.He said Zambia’s attractiveness as a mining investment destination has improved significantly, as reflected in the country’s rise to third position in the 2024 Fraser Institute Annual Survey of Mining Companies from 12th position previously.Despite the positive developments, Dr Kebeta acknowledged that occupational health and safety remains a concern.“Workplace accidents increased from 43 cases in 2022 to 98 in 2024, while fatalities rose from 19 to 31 during the same period,” he said.He said illegal mining activities continue to pose challenges to safety, environmental protection and orderly sector development, underscoring the need for stronger enforcement and compliance measures.Dr Kabeta said the bulletin provides an important evidence base for understanding the sector’s performance and guiding future policy decisions.He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening sector governance, enhancing regulatory efficiency, deepening mining formalisation and ensuring that growth in the sector translates into inclusive and sustainable national development He added that female participation in the sector also improved, with women accounting for 11.3 percent of the workforce in 2023 compared to 7.8 percent in 2020.

Dr Kabeta further said the bulletin also highlights strong investment performance, with committed investments amounting to 6.9 billion United States Dollars, while actual investments reached 10.38 billion dollars during the review period.He said Zambia’s attractiveness as a mining investment destination has improved significantly, as reflected in the country’s rise to third position in the 2024 Fraser Institute Annual Survey of Mining Companies from 12th position previously.Despite the positive developments, Dr Kebeta acknowledged that occupational health and safety remains a concern.“Workplace accidents increased from 43 cases in 2022 to 98 in 2024, while fatalities rose from 19 to 31 during the same period,” he said.He said illegal mining activities continue to pose challenges to safety, environmental protection and orderly sector development, underscoring the need for stronger enforcement and compliance measures.Dr Kabeta said the bulletin provides an important evidence base for understanding the sector’s performance and guiding future policy decisions.He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening sector governance, enhancing regulatory efficiency, deepening mining formalisation and ensuring that growth in the sector translates into inclusive and sustainable national development Dr Kabeta further said the bulletin also highlights strong investment performance, with committed investments amounting to 6.9 billion United States Dollars, while actual investments reached 10.38 billion dollars during the review period. He said Zambia’s attractiveness as a mining investment destination has improved significantly, as reflected in the country’s rise to third position in the 2024 Fraser Institute Annual Survey of Mining Companies from 12th position previously.Despite the positive developments, Dr Kebeta acknowledged that occupational health and safety remains a concern.“Workplace accidents increased from 43 cases in 2022 to 98 in 2024, while fatalities rose from 19 to 31 during the same period,” he said.He said illegal mining activities continue to pose challenges to safety, environmental protection and orderly sector development, underscoring the need for stronger enforcement and compliance measures.Dr Kabeta said the bulletin provides an important evidence base for understanding the sector’s performance and guiding future policy decisions.He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening sector governance, enhancing regulatory efficiency, deepening mining formalisation and ensuring that growth in the sector translates into inclusive and sustainable national development He said Zambia’s attractiveness as a mining investment destination has improved significantly, as reflected in the country’s rise to third position in the 2024 Fraser Institute Annual Survey of Mining Companies from 12th position previously. Despite the positive developments, Dr Kebeta acknowledged that occupational health and safety remains a concern.“Workplace accidents increased from 43 cases in 2022 to 98 in 2024, while fatalities rose from 19 to 31 during the same period,” he said.He said illegal mining activities continue to pose challenges to safety, environmental protection and orderly sector development, underscoring the need for stronger enforcement and compliance measures.Dr Kabeta said the bulletin provides an important evidence base for understanding the sector’s performance and guiding future policy decisions.He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening sector governance, enhancing regulatory efficiency, deepening mining formalisation and ensuring that growth in the sector translates into inclusive and sustainable national development Despite the positive developments, Dr Kebeta acknowledged that occupational health and safety remains a concern. “Workplace accidents increased from 43 cases in 2022 to 98 in 2024, while fatalities rose from 19 to 31 during the same period,” he said.He said illegal mining activities continue to pose challenges to safety, environmental protection and orderly sector development, underscoring the need for stronger enforcement and compliance measures.Dr Kabeta said the bulletin provides an important evidence base for understanding the sector’s performance and guiding future policy decisions.He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening sector governance, enhancing regulatory efficiency, deepening mining formalisation and ensuring that growth in the sector translates into inclusive and sustainable national development