Zambia Railways Key in Zambia’s 3 Million Tonnes Copper Production Target
Zambia Railways Limited says it is among the key players in Zambia’s vision to attain 3 million tonnes of copper production annually by the year 2031 because the transport and logistics sector plays a critical role in the movement of goods.
Zambia is pushing for the targeted 3 million metric tonnes of copper production annually. Zambia Railways Limited Managing Director Eng. Cuthbert Malindi said for this to be met, there has to be collaboration between the mining sector and the logistics and transport sector as this industry remains critical.
Malindi said Zambia Railways Limited aims to address the current capacity challenges in terms of locomotives and the track, which will be crucial for meeting the needs of the mining sector.
Zambia Railways Limited’s main challenge has been the state of the line as well as the rolling stock, adding that finding suitable funders and partners is among the company’s top priority to revitalise its operations, Malindi said.
Zambia’s Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development has developed a 3 Million Metric Tonnes Copper Production Strategy to among others, stimulate investment in mineral resource exploration, mining, processing and supply of goods and services.
According to the ministry, in addition, the strategy has been developed on the premise of the various emerging global opportunities such as green energy transition from fossil-based fuel and copper is a critical input material.
The ministry says the implementation of the strategy will bring about growth and in turn lead to higher revenue, foreign exchange earnings and job creation.
Minister of Mines and Minerals Development, Paul Kabuswe, announced in January a significant boost in the country’s copper production for 2024, which exceeded 2023’s annual output by 12%. The total copper production for 2024 reached 820,676.34 metric tonnes (Mt), compared to 732,583.45 Mt in 2023.
He said other mineral commodities, including nickel, gold, and emeralds, also saw production surpassing 2023 levels, despite the challenges posed by severe drought conditions that affected energy supplies to the mining industry.
Written for Railways Africa Magazine by Chamwe Kaira