THE country has failed to reach the projected one million metric tonne copper production in 2025, producing 890,345 tonnes, representing an eight percent increase from 2024. Mines and Minerals Development Minister Paul Kabuswe has attributed the failure to reach the target to the shutdown of Sino Metals leach plant following a pollution incident, as well as reduced output at the FQM Trident Mine. Giving an update on the mining sector’s performance in 2025, Kabuswe said the industry recorded growth through large-scale investment and global trends. “The sector continued to experience growth through investment, driven mainly by expansion in large-scale mining and global economic developments. Despite Zambia being endowed with various mineral resources, metallic minerals such as copper continue to dominate...