By Kalonje Mumba,
The United Mine Workers Union of Zambia (UMUZ) has described the 89% copper production levels recorded in 2025 as productive, despite the country failing to meet the targeted one million metric tonnes.
Speaking in an interview with Mafken News, UMUZ President Wisdom Ngwira said several factors contributed to the shortfall, among them the drought experienced earlier in the year, which affected hydro-electric power supply relied upon by most mines.
Mr. Ngwira further cited the collapse of the dam at Sino Metals in Chambishi, which forced the mine to halt operations for almost a year.
He added that the government’s target of producing three million metric tonnes of copper by 2031 remains attainable, provided existing loopholes in the sector are addressed and small-scale mines are fully brought on board through proper licensing.
