By Amos Sikaonga 
By Cecilia Chiluba
Minister of Mines and Minerals Development has reported a 29.9% surge in Zambia’s copper production in the first quarter of 2025.
Speaking at a media briefing, Paul Kabuswe disclosed that production of the commodity stood at 224,103. 8 metric tons compared to 172, 548.6 metric tons produced during the same period of 2024.
Mr. Kabuswe attributed the development to the increase in production by Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) and Mopani Copper Mines.
He revealed that KCM has increased its copper production by over 2000% from 585.23 MT to about 16, 846.7 metric tons, whereas Mopani increased its production by 58.5%, from 8,478.17 metric tonnes to 13, 434.84 metric tonnes of copper in Q1 of 2025.
With regards to Gold, Mr. Kabuswe reported that production of the commodity in the quarter under review rose by 41.7 %, from 625.6 kilograms during the same period in 2024 to 886.2 kilograms.
He also disclosed that Nickel production has recorded a recovery with a marginal surge of 2.69% from 5,043.07 to 5,178.5 tons from 2024 to 2025.
“This growth pattern across the key mineral commodities demonstrates the positive trajectory of the mining sector,” Mr. Kabuswe noted.
Mr. Kabswe however, disclosed that Emerald gemstone production recorded a 66% decline from 6,6696. 71 tons in the first quarter of 2024 to 2,210.22 tons in the same period of 2025.
He attributed the drop in emerald production to Kagem Mine’s decision to suspend production for six months due to adverse market conditions.
Meanwhile, Mr. Kabuswe revealed that President Hakainde Hichilema recently assented to the Geological and Minerals Development Bill, after it was presented to Parliament and had gone through the First Reading.
“At the last press briefing, I reported that the Minerals Regulation Commission Bill was assented to by the President Mr Hakainde Hichilema. I indicated that the Geological and Minerals Development Bill was presented to Parliament and had gone through the First Reading. I am happy to report that the Bill was similarly assented to by the President of the Republic,” he said.
The Minister further said he will soon be launching the commencement and operationalization of the Minerals Regulation Commission before the end of the second quarter of 2025.
“Under the restructured Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development, there will be three technical departments, namely the Department of Geological Survey, Department of Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) and the Department of Large-Scale Investment Promotion.”
“The establishment of the ASM department means that the government wants focused attention to be given to the full development of Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining,” Mr. Kabsuwe explained.
Cecilia Chiluba