LUSAKA, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) — Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema announced Thursday that the country has attracted over 12 billion U.S. dollars in mining investment over the past four years. Speaking at the official opening of the 2025 Zambia Mining and Investment Insaka (ZAMII), Hichilema credited the surge to reforms introduced by his administration to foster a more conducive investment climate. “Zambia is ripe for business. Zambia is now attractive due to the reforms and policies we have implemented. The growth experienced in the mining sector is a direct result of these reforms, and we will continue on this path,” he said. While welcoming the progress, Hichilema called for increased investment across a broader range of minerals beyond copper. He said the government is committed to ensuring that mining revenues stimulate growth in other sectors and deliver tangible benefits to citizens nationwide. He urged investors to introduce world-class technologies to boost production, citing the water-pumping equipment at Shaft 28 of the China Nonferrous Mining Corporation Limited Luanshya Copper Mines as an example of best practice. Although acknowledging mining as a key driver of Zambia’s economy, Hichilema voiced concern that the sector’s contribution to development remains below its potential. He said the government expects higher revenues and a stronger role for mining in supporting social and economic programs that uplift local communities. Hichilema added that ongoing aerial geological mapping will be pivotal in unlocking Zambia’s full mineral potential. He reaffirmed his administration’s target of achieving 3 million metric tons of copper production annually by 2031, expressing optimism that 1 million tons could be reached this year alone. Mines and Minerals Development Minister Paul Kabuswe echoed the president’s remarks, noting that Zambia’s economy has stabilized and that consistent mining policies over the past four years have strengthened investor confidence. This year’s ZAMII, running from Oct. 6 to 10 under the theme “Unlocking Africa’s Wealth: Advancing Sustainable Mining, Beneficiation, and Value Addition,” features exhibitions by Chinese enterprises showcasing cutting-edge mining technologies. Enditem