Gov’t Confident of Achieving 3 Million Tonnes of Copper by 2031
The Government has expressed confidence that Zambia will achieve its national target of producing three million metric tonnes of copper annually by 2031, citing ongoing reforms and renewed growth in the mining sector.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development, Dr Hapenga Kabeta, said the optimism is anchored on progressive policy reforms, the revitalisation of key mines, increased investor confidence, and expansion projects being undertaken by several mining companies across the country.
Dr Kabeta noted that increased copper production would not only enable Zambia to meet rising global demand but would also play a critical role in accelerating economic growth, job creation and national development.
He made the remarks when United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) Project Administrator, Ms Kincso Vizi, paid a courtesy call on him at his office in Lusaka on Thursday.
During the meeting, Ms Vizi reaffirmed UNIDO’s commitment to supporting Government efforts by identifying policy and regulatory gaps aimed at monitoring and reducing mercury emissions associated with copper smelting, while also promoting the adoption and scaling up of best available and environmentally sound technologies.
The Permanent Secretary welcomed UNIDO’s support, emphasising the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring that increased copper production is achieved responsibly and sustainably, in line with national environmental standards and international obligations.
The meeting was also attended by the Director for Research and Knowledge Management at the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA).
