Zambia Overcomes Severe Drought in 2024 to Boost Copper Output

Zambia boosted its copper output in 2024, according to the nation’s mines minister, with the industry overcoming a severe drought last year that had put production at risk.

The nation’s total output, including small artisan producers, rose to just over 820,000 tons last year, according to Mines And Minerals Development Minister Paul Kabuswe. Zambia relies on copper for more than 70% of its export earnings.

Major mining companies including First Quantum Minerals Ltd., which account for more than 90% of the nation’s production, boosted output last year by 11% to just over 777,000 tons, the minister told reporters in ...