Government through the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development has launched the National Three (3) Million Metric Tonnes Copper Production Strategy by 2031 and the National Critical Minerals Strategy (2024-2028).
The 3 Million Metric tonnes copper Strategy seeks to contribute significantly towards boosting the country’s copper production to a ground-breaking 3 million metric tonnes annually by 2031. Additionally, the strategy embodies our nation’s determination to substantially elevate the quality of life for the Zambian citizenry.
The strategy serves to contribute towards increased copper output, employment and fostering innovation in the mining industry in order to accelerate economic transformation.
The Minister of Mines stated that the strategy therefore transcends mere economic objectives, as it reaffirms Government’s commitment towards sustainable, ecologically and environmentally sound mining.
Mr. Kabuswe indicated that to fulfil the 3 million metric tonnes, the strategy has spelt out the eight specific objectives as follows:
• Provision of an enabling environment for ramping up copper production from all expansion projects in all brownfield mining companies.
• Monitor performance of greenfield projects and advanced exploration projects with defined mineral resources;
• Facilitate exploitation of copper from all the decommissioned mineralized tailings and slug dumps.
• Facilitate development of the artisanal a