By STUART LISULO –
THE Government has projected copper production to exceed 850,000 tonnes in 2017, mainly on account of rebounding prices on the international market.
Zambia’s total copper production marginally rose to 770,588 tonnes in 2016 from 710,860 tonnes in 2015, mainly driven by output from First Quantum’s Kalumbila Minerals Limited.
According to official Ministry of Mines data, only three out of a total of 10 large-scale mines posted increases in copper production year-on-year including; Kansanshi Mining; NFCA’s Chambishi Mine and Sino Metals.
The coming-on-stream of FQM’s Kalumbila Minerals in around mid-to-late 2015 was mainly what boosted the country’s total mining output last year with a total of 143,659 tonnes.
In a statement, Mines permanent secretary, Paul Chanda, states the prospects for 2017 are largely positive, with copper production forecasted to exceed 850,000 tonnes on account of rebounding prices on the international market that are nearing US$6,000 per tonne.
In reviewing last year’s performance, Mr Chanda says the mining sector had not performed as the Government had projected due to the depressed copper prices.
“This increase was mainly driven by the ramp up in production at Kalumbila and increased production at Kansanshi due to improved
efficiency in the processing plants.”
He further notes that despite the overall increase in total copper output last year, mining companies such as Mopani Copper Mines and Lubambe faced challenges in mining the red metal, which included low commodity prices and electricity supply constraints.
“Notable reductions in production levels were recorded by Mopani following the suspension of some production ends to allow for refurbishment and completion of expansion projects,” states Mr Chanda.
Meanwhile, data also shows small-scale copper production for 2016 was 3,701.8 tonnes, up from 3,100 tonnes recorded in 2015, mainly attributable to the increase in the mineral processing plants that had been set up by small-scale producers. – Story courtesy of SUMA SYSTEMS.