THE 30 percent increase in copper output is not reflecting in the local economy because the mines are in the hands of foreigners and their countries are the ones benefiting from the boost, says National Democratic Congress (NDC) president Saboi Imboela.
Reacting to government’s announcement of a 29 percent rise in copper production in the first quarter of 2025, Ms. Imboela said the average Zambian has nothing to show for it as the proceeds are externalized by foreign-owned mining companies.
“Even if there is an increase in copper output, the people benefitting are foreigners. Look at the money foreign companies are getting there was no law compelling them to keep their money in Zambia,” Ms Imboela said.
She lamented that Zambia cannot feel any impact from the reported growth because the profits are being sent abroad, while locals remain sidelined.
“Our copper is being mined, but Zambians are not benefiting. Copper accounts for about 72 percent of our exports, but it contributes less than 50 percent to the GDP that tells you a lot,” she added.
Ms. Imboela also criticised the disparity in salaries between expatriates and local workers, saying the current mining policies under the United Party for National Development (UPND) are not favouring Zambians.
Her remarks followed a press briefing held by Mines and Minerals Development Minister Paul Kabuswe, who announced that copper production rose to 224,103.8 metric tons in Q1 of 2025 from 172,548.6 metric tons in the same period last year.
Mr. Kabuswe attributed the growth to increased output at Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) and Mopani Copper Mines (MCM), with KCM’s production surging by more than 2,000 percent and MCM posting a 58.5 percent rise.
He also noted a 41.7 percent increase in gold production, up to 886.2 kilograms from 625.6 kilograms in the first quarter of 2024.
The minister hailed the growth as evidence of effective government policies under President Hakainde Hichilema and confirmed that the President had signed the Geological and Minerals Development Bill into law, establishing the Minerals Regulation Commission.
Additionally, he highlighted ongoing digitization of the licensing system through the Zambia Integrated Mining Information System and the creation of a new Department of Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining to support local miners.
Mr. Kabuswe also revealed progress on key investment projects such as the Sinomine Kitumba Mine in Mumbwa, set to produce 50,000 tons of copper annually and create over 2,500 jobs.
Despite the optimistic outlook from the government, Ms. Imboela insisted that ordinary Zambians remain excluded from the benefits of the mining sector’s performance, raising questions about the inclusiveness and sustainability of the country’s mineral
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