19/09/2026
MINERAL MAPPING REACHES 94.2PERCENT COMPLETION AS ZAMBIA TARGETS 3 MILLION TONNES OF COPPER PRODUCTION.
Lusaka, September 19, 2026 — Government says Zambia’s drive to increase annual copper production to three million metric tonnes is central to the country’s economic transformation agenda.
Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development Permanent Secretary Dr Hapenga Kabeta says increased copper production will stimulate investment, create employment and generate resources to support development across the country.
Dr Kabeta was speaking on ZNBC’s Kwacha Good Morning programme, where he discussed the Grow Zambia Agenda, with particular focus on the Government’s three-million-metric-tonne copper production strategy.
He says achieving Vision 2030, under which Zambia seeks to become a prosperous middle-income country, requires increased production in the mining sector, which remains a major contributor to the economy.
Dr Kabeta says higher copper production will require significant investment in mining infrastructure, energy and other supporting sectors.
He says increased mining activity will also have multiplier effects through job creation, infrastructure development and increased resources for programmes such as the Constituency Development Fund.
Dr Kabeta, however, says Government’s focus goes beyond increasing copper production to ensuring that Zambia derives greater value from its mineral resources.
He says the National Critical Minerals Strategy places emphasis on local beneficiation and value addition, noting that exporting raw minerals can also mean exporting potential jobs and economic opportunities.
Government has also introduced Local Content Regulations aimed at increasing the participation of Zambian companies in the mining supply chain.
Dr Kabeta says the reforms are intended to ensure that local suppliers and businesses benefit more directly from increased mining activity.
Meanwhile, Zambia’s nationwide high-resolution aerial geophysical survey has reached 94.2 percent completion.
Dr Kabeta says the survey, launched in 2024 by President Hakainde Hichilema, is providing updated geological information on the country’s mineral potential to support exploration, investment and long-term mining planning.
He says having accurate geological information is critical to identifying mineral deposits and guiding investment decisions as Zambia works towards increasing mineral production.
Dr Kabeta says Government is also pursuing reforms aimed at creating a predictable policy and regulatory environment to support investment in the mining sector.
On environmental protection, he says the three-million-tonne copper strategy will be accompanied by measures to promote responsible and sustainable mining.
Dr Kabeta says the Environmental Protection Fund is intended to ensure that resources are available to address environmental liabilities arising from mining activities, rather than leaving the burden to Government.
Credit: Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development-Zambia Minerals Regulation Commission Zambia Environmental Management Agency
