Zambia’s copper production fell slightly in the second quarter of the year due to problems faced by four mines, its mines minister said on Thursday.
Minister Paul Kabuswe cited issues at Sino Metals, which was closed after an acid spill, as well as lower ore grades at First Quantum Minerals’ Trident.
Kabuswe gave production for the first half of the year as about 439 644 metric tons.
Zambia earlier reported first-quarter production of about 224 000 tons, which would make second-quarter production about 215 644 tons.
Zambia is Africa’s second-largest copper producer after the Democratic Republic of Congo. – (Reuters)
