(Ecofin Agency) - Zambia, Africa's second-largest copper producer after the DRC, is working to increase its copper exports and revenues as new deposits are discovered.

Zambia’s copper production is expected to rise by 40%, reaching one million tonnes by 2027, up from about 700,000 tonnes in 2023. The figures are under the government's Medium Term Budget Plan for 2025-2027.

According to Zambian authorities, this surge will be spurred by resolving issues at major mines, launching production at new deposits, and expanding production at existing mines.

Last year, Zambia's copper production hit a fourteen-year low, mainly due to frequent changes in mining taxes and conflicts between mining companies and the previous government. Copper is crucial for the energy transition, and it makes up about 70% of Zambia's export earnings.