Africa’s Second-Largest Copper Producer Extends Tax Waiver on 271,000 Tons of Copper Exports to Boost Mining Sector Growth
Zambia, Africa’s second-largest copper producer, has extended its temporary waiver of the 10% export tax on copper concentrates until September 30, 2026, in a strategic move aimed at supporting mining operations and sustaining momentum in one of the country’s most important economic sectors.
The extension provides mining companies with additional time to export unprocessed copper concentrates while major smelting facilities across the country undergo maintenance and technical upgrades. The decision is expected to ease pressure on the mining industry by preventing the accumulation of copper concentrate stockpiles that have resulted from reduced domestic processing capacity.
The tax exemption, which was first introduced in August 2025, now covers a total of 271,742 metric tons of copper concentrate approved for export under the government’s special waiver programme. The initiative reflects Zambia’s commitment to maintaining stability in its mining industry while positioning itself for future production growth.
As one of the world’s leading copper-producing nations, Zambia has traditionally exported most of its copper in the form of refined cathodes rather than raw concentrates. However, temporary operational challenges at local smelters have necessitated policy adjustments to ensure continued export activity and revenue generation.
The country exported an impressive 890,346 metric tons of copper in 2025 and has set an ambitious target of increasing annual copper production to 3 million metric tons by 2031. The latest tax waiver extension is viewed as part of a broader strategy to support this long-term growth agenda and strengthen Zambia’s status as a global mining powerhouse.
Under the extended exemption programme, Mopani Copper Mines emerged as the largest beneficiary, receiving authorization to export up to 100,000 metric tons of copper concentrate without paying the export duty. The company is jointly owned by Abu Dhabi-based International Resources Holding and Zambia’s state-backed mining investment firm, ZCCM Investments Holdings.
Barrick Mining-owned Lumwana Mining Company secured a duty-free export allocation of 56,986 metric tons, while First Quantum Minerals and Chinese-owned Nkana Mining and Minerals Processing each received export quotas of approximately 43,000 metric tons.
Lubambe Copper Mine, majority-owned by China’s JCHX Mining, was granted permission to export 15,000 metric tons under the programme. Vedanta Resources’ Konkola Copper Mines also benefited from the initiative, receiving an allocation of 12,541 metric tons.
The tax waiver extension comes amid broader efforts by Zambia to maximize returns from its vast mineral wealth and increase national participation in the mining sector.
Earlier this year, ZCCM Investments Holdings announced plans to expand its minority stakes in key mining assets across the country. The state investment company currently holds interests in several major mining operations, including those linked to China Nonferrous Metal Mining Group, First Quantum Minerals, and Vedanta Resources.
In addition to strengthening its position within the copper industry, ZCCM Investments Holdings is actively diversifying Zambia’s mining portfolio. The corporation recently launched a new gold-focused joint venture aimed at exploring untapped mineral resources in the country’s northwestern region, signaling Zambia’s broader ambition to unlock new sources of economic growth beyond copper.
With rising global demand for critical minerals essential for renewable energy technologies, electric vehicles, and industrial manufacturing, Zambia’s latest policy measures underscore the country’s determination to remain a competitive and attractive destination for mining investment while accelerating its journey toward becoming one of the world’s leading copper producers.
The extension of the export tax waiver not only offers immediate relief to mining companies but also reinforces Zambia’s long-term vision of expanding production, attracting investment, and strengthening its position as a cornerstone of Africa’s mining economy.
