Zambia has extended its temporary suspension of the 10% export tax on copper concentrates until 30 September 2026, providing mining companies with additional time to export unprocessed copper while several domestic smelters undergo maintenance and technical repairs.
The move is aimed at easing pressure on the country’s mining sector, which has been grappling with reduced processing capacity due to operational challenges at key smelting facilities. By extending the tax waiver, the government hopes to prevent the accumulation of copper concentrate stockpiles and maintain export flows from one of Africa’s most important mining economies.
The exemption, first introduced in August 2025, allows mining companies to export a combined total of 271,742 metric tons of copper concentrate without incurring the 10% export duty. The measure comes at a critical time as Zambia continues to pursue ambitious plans to increase copper production and strengthen its position in the global minerals market.
Among the largest beneficiaries of the extended waiver is Mopani Copper Mines, which has been granted permission to export up to 100,000 metric tons of copper concentrate duty-free. The company is jointly owned by Abu Dhabi-based International Resources Holding and Zambia’s state-backed ZCCM Investments Holdings.
Lumwana Mining Company, operated by Barrick Mining, received an allocation of 56,986 metric tons under the exemption framework. First Quantum Minerals and Chinese-owned Nkana Mining and Minerals Processing were each allocated approximately 43,000 metric tons, while Lubambe Copper Mine, majority-owned by China’s JCHX Mining, secured approval to export 15,000 metric tons.
Konkola Copper Mines, controlled by Vedanta Resources, was granted a quota of 12,541 metric tons as part of the extended tax relief programme.
Traditionally, Zambia exports most of its copper as refined cathodes rather than raw concentrates. However, ongoing disruptions at domestic smelters have created the need for temporary policy adjustments to ensure production continues moving through international markets.
Copper remains the backbone of Zambia’s economy, with exports reaching 890,346 metric tons in 2025. The country has set an ambitious target of increasing annual copper production to 3 million metric tons by 2031, driven by growing global demand for critical minerals used in renewable energy systems, electric vehicles and industrial manufacturing.
The tax waiver extension forms part of a broader strategy by the Zambian government to maximise returns from its natural resources sector. In recent months, ZCCM Investments Holdings announced plans to increase its minority stakes in several mining operations across the country, reflecting a renewed focus on strengthening state participation in the mining industry.
The investment company currently holds minority interests in several major mining assets operated by international firms, including First Quantum Minerals, Vedanta Resources and China Nonferrous Metal Mining Group.
In addition to expanding its involvement in copper mining, ZCCM Investments Holdings recently launched a new gold exploration joint venture in northwestern Zambia. The initiative underscores the country’s efforts to diversify its mineral portfolio while unlocking new opportunities for economic growth and export development.
As Zambia continues to position itself as a leading supplier of critical minerals, the extension of the copper export tax waiver is expected to provide short-term relief for producers while supporting the country’s longer-term production and investment goals.