Zambia’s copper production should be 1.5M tons annually- HH

UPND Leader Hakainde Hichilema says with a stable policy environment, Zambia should have been producing 1.5 million metric tons of copper per annum compared to the 75,000 metric tons the country is currently producing.

Hakainde Hichilema

Speaking at the ongoing mining Indaba in Cape Town, South Africa this morning, Mr. Hichilema says the low commodity prices on the international market have proved a painful reminder that quicker action is required on diversification to end over-dependence on one sector.

He also spoke about the great opportunity that still exists in many areas of Zambia for mining, and in particular projects that will bring benefit to the people in terms of jobs and stimulating local economies.

Mr. Hichilema however, cautioned politicians to be careful so as not to get caught in the trap of politicizing the mining sector.

Meanwhile UPND Vice President Canisius Banda has appealed to government to help mining companies reduce the cost of production in view of the operational challenges they are facing.