Chinese-owned CNMC Luanshya Copper Mines reports 10% drop in Copper production

Chinese-owned CNMC Luanshya Copper Mines has reported […]

Chinese-owned CNMC Luanshya Copper Mines has reported a decline in copper production for the first half of 2026, recording a nearly 10% drop compared to the same period last year. According to official production data reviewed by the Zambian Business Times (ZBT), the company produced approximately 23,800 metric tonnes of copper from January to June 2026, down from over 26,300 metric tonnes reported in the first half of 2025.

However, this production shortfall comes as the Zambian government maintains its ambitious target of producing one million metric tonnes of copper in 2026, mirroring last year’s unmet production goal.

When contacted by ZBT for comment on the reasons behind the decline, CNMC Luanshya Copper Mines’ Public Relations and Local Business Development Officer, Tigomezge M. Bota, noted that the decrease in copper production at CNMC Luanshya Copper Mines for the first half of 2026 is primarily attributed to changes following the decommissioning of the Baluba Underground Mine in 2022, which was closed due to depleted reserves, resulting in a significant reduction in the company’s overall production capacity.

He noted that although the company has sought to compensate by processing lower-grade materials from waste dumps, these efforts have not fully offset the impact of losing a major production source, leading to the observed decline in output.

“Prior to December 2022, CNMC Luanshya Copper Mines operated three active sites: Baluba Underground Mine, Muliashi Leach Plant, and the Slag Processing Plant. Collectively, these operations produced approximately 52,000 tonnes of copper per year.”

He explained that in 2022, due to the depletion of reserves, the Baluba Underground Mine was decommissioned. “This reduction in operational capacity has not yet been fully compensated by other sources. To mitigate this shortfall, we have been processing material from our waste dumps, but these sources contain relatively low copper grades and have not sufficiently offset the overall decline in production.”

Bota added that this production decline, coupled with the imperative to extend the mine’s operational lifespan, prompted CNMC to initiate the Luanshya New Mine Project (also known as 28 Shaft), which includes the revitalization of flooded shafts.

“The project is anticipated to contribute an additional 55,000 tonnes of copper annually at peak production. As a result, total production is projected to reach approximately 100,000 tonnes per annum by 2030. I hope this gives some context to the decrease in production.” He added.

By Tyndale Muchiya