Mining firms in Zambia ramp up Coal production as prices shoot up by 21%

Zambia’s coal sector has recorded significant gains in both pricing and output in the first half of 2026. Last week, the price of coal closed at USD 130.50 per tonne, up from USD 129.40 per tonne the previous week, reflecting a 0.85% week-on-week increase.

Notably, current coal prices have surged by 21.4% compared to the USD 107.50 per tonne recorded on 2 January 2026. Meanwhile, according to official statistics, Coal production in Zambia reached approximately 467,900 metric tonnes between January and June 2026, marking an increase of about 43,000 metric tonnes, or roughly 10%, compared to the same period in 2025 when production stood at 424,000 tonnes.

The sector’s robust output, at current market prices, resulted in coal valued at over USD 61 million in just six months.

Zambia’s coal industry currently comprises six officially recognized mining firms including: Maamba Collieries, Collum Coal Mine, Seizic Resources, African Power Coal Limited, Zambian Weiye, and Southvale Coal.

Article by Tyndale Muchiya