MINISTRY of Mines and Minerals Development Permanent Secretary Dr Hapenga Kabeta says copper production slightly increased in the first half of 2026 to 447,181.93 tonnes, up from 445,176.59 tonnes in 2025. Dr Kabeta says geophysical survey coverage has hit 87.5 percent as of July 28, 2026, up from 61.7 percent in quarter one. Meanwhile, Dr Kabeta says under the Local Content “LOCAS” system, about 76 mining companies have been onboarded and submitted procurement plans. Speaking during the first half of the year sector performance briefing on Friday, he said the increase was driven mainly by an increase in production by Kansanshi, Lumwana, Lubambe, FQM and Konkola Copper Mines among others. Dr Kabeta said despite an increase in aggregate production, small-scale...