Copper output up 0.45 percent in first half as Nchanga smelter restarts

KITWE, October 11, 2026. Zambia produced 447,181.93 tonnes of copper in the first six months of 2026. That is 0.45 percent more than the 445,176.59 tonnes recorded a year earlier, according to the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development. Permanent Secretary Hapenga Kabeta said the gain came from Kansanshi, Lumwana, Lubambe, other First Quantum operations and KCM. Kansanshi rose 2.44 percent. KCM rose 21.43 percent after recapitalisation and better equipment availability. Output fell at NFCA Mining, Chibuluma and Mopani. KCM said it restarted its Nchanga smelter in Chingola on September 21. The smelter, built for about $350 million and commissioned in 2010, had been shut for 106 days. KCM had planned 60 days when it stopped on May 29 and June 2. The shutdown ran 46 days over. Government wants more than one million tonnes this year. Output was 890,346 tonnes in 2025. Reaching one million tonnes means growth of about 12 percent. First-half growth was 0.45 percent. Statutory Instrument 68 requires mining companies to give local Zambian firms at least 20 percent of their annual procurement budget. The share rises to 25, 35 and finally 40 percent within five years. Non-core goods and services are reserved for local firms. The rules took effect on January 1, 2026.