Zambia copper output up 12% last year thanks to recovery at key mines
Zambian copper production up despite electricity shortages after hydroelectric power generation hit by drought
22 January 2025 - 21:30
byChris Mfula
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Lusaka — Zambia’s copper output rose 12% in 2024, buoyed by a recovery in production at key mines as the government counts on the sector to drive economic growth.
Output reached roughly 820,670 tonnes, up from 732,580 tonnes the year before, mines minister Paul Kabuswe said on Wednesday.
Barrick Gold’s Lumwana mine ramped up output and Vedanta Resources’ Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) resumed activities.
Output also picked up at Mopani Copper Mines, which was recently bought by United Arab Emirates firm, International Resources Holding.
Kabuswe said production rose despite electricity shortages after a devastating drought that hit hydroelectric power generation.
Zambia is Africa’s second-largest copper producer after the DRC, and the government is trying to lift annual copper output to 3-million tonnes within about a decade.
Vedanta, backed by Indian billionaire Anil Agarwal, has said it plans to invest about $1.3bn to revive production at KCM, which nearly collapsed after an ownership battle with Zambian authorities.
Canadian miners Barrick and First Quantum Minerals are also boosting output at their mines in Zambia while KoBold Metals, backed by US investors, has said it plans a $2bn copper mine in the country.
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Zambia copper output up 12% last year thanks to recovery at key mines
Zambian copper production up despite electricity shortages after hydroelectric power generation hit by drought
Lusaka — Zambia’s copper output rose 12% in 2024, buoyed by a recovery in production at key mines as the government counts on the sector to drive economic growth.
Output reached roughly 820,670 tonnes, up from 732,580 tonnes the year before, mines minister Paul Kabuswe said on Wednesday.
Barrick Gold’s Lumwana mine ramped up output and Vedanta Resources’ Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) resumed activities.
Output also picked up at Mopani Copper Mines, which was recently bought by United Arab Emirates firm, International Resources Holding.
Zambian government throws Gemfields a curve ball
Kabuswe said production rose despite electricity shortages after a devastating drought that hit hydroelectric power generation.
Zambia is Africa’s second-largest copper producer after the DRC, and the government is trying to lift annual copper output to 3-million tonnes within about a decade.
Vedanta, backed by Indian billionaire Anil Agarwal, has said it plans to invest about $1.3bn to revive production at KCM, which nearly collapsed after an ownership battle with Zambian authorities.
Canadian miners Barrick and First Quantum Minerals are also boosting output at their mines in Zambia while KoBold Metals, backed by US investors, has said it plans a $2bn copper mine in the country.
Reuters
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