In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) – Africa’s largest copper producer and the world’s sixth-largest producer – several expansion projects are expected to reach output milestones in 2026. Mining company Ivanhoe Mines plans to increase production at the Kamoa-Kakula Complex to between 380,000 and 420,000 tons per annum. The 2026 target follows the company producing its first copper anodes at its newly commissioned smelter at the site in December 2025. Meanwhile, China’s CMOC is also expanding the Kisanfu mine toward a production capacity of 100,000 tons per annum by 2027, supported by a $1.08 billion investment. Jinchuan Group is also undertaking several mine expansion initiatives to add 38,000 tons of annual capacity at the Musonoi Mine by Q2 2026.

In Zambia – Africa’s second-largest copper producer – multiple new mines are also expected to enter production in 2026, supporting the country’s ambition to raise output to 3 million tons per annum by 2031. China’s Sinomine Resource Group is set to commission the $560 million Kitumba Copper Mine in 2026, producing approximately 50,000 tons of copper annually. Mimosa Resources, in partnership with First Quantum Minerals, is targeting first production at the Kashime project, while US startup KoBold Metals plans to commission its over $200 million Mingomba mine in late 2026.

South Africa ­– Africa’s third-largest copper producer – is also seeing renewed investment momentum. Glencore and Orion Minerals are investing more than $250 million to restart the Prieska copper-zinc mine in the Northern Cape, with commissioning expected in late 2026 or early 2027. Copper 360 is reopening up to 12 historical mines in the Rietberg and Okiep Copper District, while the Palabora Mining Company is advancing a $700 million expansion to extend the life of its flagship operation.

With the copper market outlook pointing to sustained investment opportunities across Africa, the upcoming African Mining Week – taking place from October 14 – 16 in Cape Town - will connect global investors with emerging opportunities across Africa’s copper-rich markets. The event will feature high-level panel discussions, exclusive networking sessions and project showcases highlighting Africa’s growing role across the global copper value chain.

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