The Zambian government through the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development has launched the National Three (3) Million Metric Tonnes Copper Production Strategy set to be attained by 2031 and the National Critical Minerals Strategy (2024-2028).
Minister of Mines and Minerals Development Paul Kabuswe says the three Million Metric tonnes copper Strategy seeks to contribute significantly towards boosting the country’s copper production to a ground-breaking three million metric tonnes annually by 2031.
Additionally, Kabuswe said, the strategy embodies the country’s determination to substantially elevate the quality of life for the Zambian citizenry.
“The strategy serves to contribute towards increased copper output, employment and fostering innovation in the mining industry in order to accelerate economic transformation this strategy therefore transcends mere economic objectives, as it reaffirms government’s commitment towards sustainable, ecologically and environmentally sound mining,” stated Kabuswe.
He indicated that to fulfil the three million metric tonnes, the strategy has spelt out eight (8) specific objectives as follows which are provision of an enabling environment for ramping up copper production from all expansion projects in all brownfield mining companies, monitor performance of greenfield projects and advanced exploration projects with defined mineral resources; facilitate exploitation of copper from all the decommissioned mineralized tailings and slug dumps and facilitate development of the artisanal and small-scale mining sub-sector.
The other specific objectives are to improve regulation efficiency and transparency in mineral value chain focused on licensing, safety, health and environment, conduct country-wide high – resolution aerial geophysical surveys, scale up promotion of investment in exploration, mining, processing and value addition; and undertake capacity building, research and development in exploration and mine development technologies.
