Copperbelt Province Minister Elisha Matambo has announced that all mining houses across the Copperbelt are reporting a surge in mineral production. This positive trend underscores the urgent need for safe and efficient transportation routes to move Zambia’s minerals to international markets, with the Lobito Corridor emerging as a vital component of this strategy.
Speaking on Thursday during a courtesy call by the European Union (EU) delegation, led by EU Ambassador to Zambia Karolina Stasiak, at the Copperbelt Provincial Administration offices, Matambo expressed his gratitude to the EU for its steadfast support of the Lobito Corridor project. The corridor, which cuts through key parts of the province, offers a shorter, cost-effective route to export markets.
“We are seeing a remarkable increase in production. As we speak, Mopani Copper Mines is showing a clear upward trend in its output graph. The company is targeting to produce nearly 300,000 metric tonnes per year as it works towards achieving its full production capacity,” Matambo stated.
The Lobito Corridor is a railway and port development initiative that connects Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the Atlantic port of Lobito in Angola. It is seen as a game-changer for Zambia’s mining sector, providing an alternative to traditional export routes that are often plagued by congestion and inefficiencies.
Matambo stressed that with growing copper production, particularly in the wake of increased investments in the sector, the need for reliable logistics infrastructure cannot be overstated.
“We cannot afford to lose the gains we are making in mining through logistical bottlenecks. The Lobito Corridor will be key in ensuring that our minerals reach global markets swiftly and competitively,” he said.
The minister further thanked the EU for recognising the corridor’s importance and for its contributions towards the project’s realisation.
For its part, the EU delegation reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Zambian government and other partners to support sustainable economic development through strategic infrastructure like the Lobito Corridor.
As mining production continues to rise on the Copperbelt, industry stakeholders are optimistic that enhanced transportation links will help Zambia cement its position as a leading player in the global minerals market.