Zambia upbeat on producing 1 mln tons of copper in 2018

LUSAKA, Dec. 14 (Xinhua) -- The Zambian government on Thursday expressed optimism on attainment of 1 million tons copper production in 2018.

Minister of Mines and Minerals Development Christopher Yaluma said production figures from mining firms show that the country will attain the targeted 850,000 tons copper production by the end of this year and attain 1 million tons production next year.

He told reporters during a press briefing at his office that production will increase next year on account of improved production at existing mining firms which have invested in expansion projects as well as new investors which have come on board.

"From our assessment, we think we are going to have a good mining period next year. As we see it right now there is a good picture," he added.

The country, he said, has recovered from the negative effects of 2015 when the country experienced a power deficit as well as a decline in copper production on the international market, adding that the current increase in copper prices has encouraged mining firms to ramp up production. Enditem