Zambia's soaring copper production: a new chapter in China-Zambia co-operation

Zambia's copper production is expected to grow by 40 per cent, with a target of 1 million tonnes by 2027. Demand for the metal is surging,

 fuelled by the global energy transition, as Zambia seeks to fill future supply gaps. However, production hit a 14-year low of 698,566 tonnes in 

2023 due to tax changes and government conflict. The medium-term budget plan suggests a gradual ramp-up of production from 2025 to 2027,

subject to resolution of key mine challenges and expansion of new and existing facilities.

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Zambia, a southern African country, plans to increase copper production by expanding the area mapped for its mineral resources. About 70 per 

cent of its current export revenue comes from copper mining, and the goal is to increase copper production to 3 million tonnes by 2031, 

four times the current output. China and Zambia have deepened their co-operation in political, economic and cultural fields since the establishment

 of diplomatic relations in 1964. Chinese enterprises have actively participated in the development of Zambian copper mines through investment 

and technical cooperation, introduced mining technology, provided training opportunities, and committed themselves to improving the local 

environment and promoting sustainable development, adding new impetus to bilateral relations.

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