MINES and Minerals Development Permanent Secretary Hapenga Kabeta says it is unfortunate that Zambia takes pride in being the third largest copper producer when there is a huge gap with the other top producers. Speaking during the launch of the PwC Zambia Mining Sector Review Report, Thursday, Kabeta emphasised the need for Zambia to increase copper production to compete with the top producers. “Copper remains the lifeblood of our mining industry and as part of our long-term vision, the government has embarked on an ambitious but achievable goal in increasing copper production from the current averages of 800,000 metric tonnes to 3 million metric tonnes of copper [production] by 2031. This is central to our efforts to solidify Zambia’s status...