LUSAKA: Copper output in Zambia, Africa's leading producer of the metal, is expected rise to 900,000 tonnes in 2011 from 819,159 tonnes last year as mining companies boost output, the central bank said on Saturday.
"Last year's copper output was 819,159 tonnes and we are optimistic this year's production will reach 900,000 tonnes," central bank spokesman Kanguya Mayondi told Reuters.
Mayondi said copper output was expected to increase because mining companies were maximising on production taking advantage of the good prices.
"Mining companies have embarked on expansion projects and that should help raise their production," Mayondi said.
Mayondi said Zambia's 2010 cobalt output at 8,782 tonnes was 49 percent higher than the 5,879 tonnes produced in 2009, due to the resumption of output at two major mines.
Mining companies operating in Zambia include Canada's First Quantum Minerals, London-listed Vedanta Resources, Glencore International AG and Metorex of South Africa.
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