Copper production in Zambia increased by 8% in 2025 and reached a record 890.35 thousand tons, said Minister of Mining and Mineral Resources Paul Kabuswe.
He is confident that production will increase in 2026.
"This year, without a doubt, we will definitely exceed one million tons," the minister said at a press conference on Tuesday.
Copper accounts for more than 70% of Zambia's export earnings. The country plans to increase copper production to 3 million tons by 2031.
The largest copper producers in Zambia are First Quantum Minerals Ltd., which accounts for almost half of the production, as well as divisions of International Resources Holding, Barrick Mining Corp. and Vedanta Resources Ltd.
