Mines and Minerals Development Minister, Paul Kabuswe, has dismissed claims that the recent 29.9 percent surge in copper production and gains in other minerals have failed to benefit Zambians.
In an interview with Phoenix News, Mr. Kabuswe has highlighted that Mopani Copper Mines alone has employed over 1,900 workers this quarter while the increased revenues from mineral production have enabled local authorities, including the Kitwe City Council, to clear salary and pension arrears.
The Minister has emphasized that the rise in mineral output recorded in the first quarter of 2025 will gradually contribute to broader economic growth, ultimately benefiting citizens across the country.
However, Mr. Kabuswe has called for patience as the full trickle-down effects of renewed mining activity begin to take hold in communities and the national economy, attributing the momentum to the return to full operations at Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) and Mopani Copper Mines.
According to the Ministry data, Zambia recorded a 29.9 percent increase in copper production in the first quarter of 2025, reaching 224,103.8 tonnes compared to 172,548.6 tonnes during the same period in 2024, with gold output rising by 41.7 percent to 886.2 kilograms, while nickel production increased by 2.7 percent to 5,178.5 tonnes.
