Zambia's government has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a favourable investment climate in the mining sector, citing significant production increases as evidence of the success of its policies, Canadian miner First Quantum Minerals (FQM) has said in a media release.

Following a recent visit by the Ministers of Finance and National Planning Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane, Mines and Minerals Development Paul Kabuswe, Information and Media and chief government spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa, and Labour and Social Security Brenda Tambatamba, as well as North-Western province Provincial Minister Robert Lihefu to FQM’s Kansanshi and Trident mining operations, government highlighted a substantial rise in copper production, exceeding expectations and bringing the country closer to its ambitious target of three-million tonnes a year by 2031.

The visit was aimed at assessing the impact of the government's policies on copper production and its contribution to the national economy, as well as the on-the-ground impact of government policies focused on predictability and stability within the mining industry.

Speaking during the tour, Kabuswe highlighted the government's ambitious target of reaching three-million tonnes a year of copper production by 2031, emphasising that increased production would result in job creation, revenue generation and social development.

Kabuswe underscored the positive impact of the current administration's policies on predictability and stability within the mining sector, noting that the government’s commitment to policy stability and predictability had significantly influenced growth in the sector.

“His Excellency, the President, tasked us to evaluate how the mining sector in the North-Western province is responding to the New Dawn administration’s policies. The government’s vision to ramp up copper production to three-million tonnes annually by 2031 is already translating into tangible progress, with increased production, employment, and revenue,” said Kabuswe.

He further highlighted the Kansanshi mine’s achievements, which include a projected 22% increase in copper production this year compared with 2022, and the revitalisation of the S3 Expansion project.

With respect to copper production, Kansanshi mine last year produced about 135 000 t.

FQM Zambia country manager Dr Godwin Beene commended the government for fostering private-public partnerships and addressing key challenges in the mining sector.

He highlighted some of the areas threatening operational efficiency and needing heightened attention from stakeholders, including illegal mining activities and theft in the sector.

“The issue of illegal mining and encroachment is a serious concern. We are working closely with communities to enhance security and awareness. Additionally, theft of materials, including copper concentrates and equipment, needs stronger collaborative efforts to address,” said Beene.

FQM has said the visit reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that mining growth benefits the nation holistically, creating employment and driving economic and social transformation.

FQM says it is a long-term partner and is highly committed to contributing to the sustainable growth of the nation's mining sector.

FQM's strategy focuses on investing in local businesses and communities, believing this approach is crucial to Zambia's long-term socioeconomic development and prosperity for its citizens.

“This commitment extends to actively supporting national objectives through responsible local procurement, fostering meaningful partnerships, and developing a strong local manufacturing base capable of meeting both domestic and international demands,” says FQM.