In 2024, Zambia was the world's eighth-ranked producer of mined copper, accounting for 3.6% of global production and 2% of global reserves. Other mineral commodities produced in the country included cement; cobalt; fluorspar; gold; lime; limestone; manganese; nickel; gemstones such as amethyst, beryl, emerald, and tourmaline; raw steel; and sulfuric acid. The mining and quarrying sector contributed 17.4% to the gross domestic product. Copper remained the primary commodity produced in Zambia and continued to be the main source of foreign exchange earnings in 2024. Copper exports accounted for about 66% or \$7.5 billion of the country's total export of goods; nickel ore and concentrates accounted for about 3% or \$323 million; and gold, 2% or \$262 million. Copper and articles thereof were exported mainly to Switzerland (accounting for about 61% of total exported volume), followed by China (30%), Singapore and the United Arab Emirates (3% each), Hong Kong (1%), and South Africa (less than 1%).
The mining sector in 2024 was regulated by the Mines and Minerals Development Act No. 11 of 2015, and its amendments Act No. 14 of 2016, Act No. 18 of 2018, and Act No. 29 of 2022. Zambia’s mining sector was in a period of regulatory transition following Parliament’s passage of the Minerals Regulation Commission Act in 2024. Despite receiving parliamentary approval, the Act had not yet entered into force as of yearend 2024. The Act creates a single autonomous regulator—the Minerals Regulation Commission—responsible for regulating, monitoring, and managing all mineral resources in Zambia, including licensing oversight and compliance enforcement. It also establishes the Mining Appeals Tribunal. In 2024, the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Development was responsible for enacting legislation for the mining sector and for developing and managing mineral resources. Zambia’s mineral production was dominated by international companies, with additional contributions from Government‑owned enterprises and artisanal miners.
