By ZBT Analyst
Official gold production figures for the first eight months of 2025 may significantly understate Zambia’s true output, according to seasoned mining expert Edward Simukonda, who warns that large quantities of the precious metal are leaking out of official channels and leaving the country undetected.
According to official statistics obtained by the Zambian Business Times (ZBT), Zambia officially produced 2,346 kilograms of gold between January and August 2025, marking a 23% increase compared to the 1,907 kilograms produced during the same period in 2024.
However, Simukonda expressed skepticism about these numbers, suggesting that private individuals may be holding more gold than is reflected in the official data. Speaking in an interview with ZBT, Simukonda asserted that official capture does not reflect the reality on the ground, pointing to widespread private holdings. “When you look at the production that is taking place in the country, I can guarantee you, there are private people holding more than the……Read the details in the weekly ZBT edition. Get your copy via link https://zambianbusinesstimes.com/subscribe_to_zambian…/
