The total production index for 2007 increased by 3.8 percent compared to an increase of 6.8 percent in 2006. The slow down in the increase is as a result of reductions in coal mining, textiles manufacturing and basic metal manufacturing.

Production of Finished Copper, Cobalt and Coal for 2006 and 2007
(Metric Tonnes)

The actual copper production rose by 6.7 percent from 515,618.4 metric tonnes in 2006 to 550,292.1 metric tonnes in 2007. Cobalt production declined by 5.1 percent from 4,649.6 metric tonnes in 2006 to 4,413.5 metric tonnes in 2007.

The Stone quarrying index rose by 4.1 percent 2007 compared to a rise of 8.7 in 2006. This is owing to increased production of sand and crushed stones.

Food and beverages out put increases. Textile, clothing and leather products output continues to declines.Output for the manufacturing sector showed an increase of 4.5 percent in 2007 compared to an increase of 3.7 percent in 2006. The increase was largely due to growths in the food, beverages and tobacco, wood, chemicals and fabricated metal products sub-sectors.

There was a 7.2 percent increase in the Food, Beverages and Tobacco sub-sector in 2007 compared with an increase 3.1 percent the previous year. The increase in the index was attributable to, among others, increase in production of grain mill products, meat products , Beverages and sugar.

In comparison to a decline of 6.6 percent in 2006, the Textiles, Clothing and Leather sub-sector further declined by 18.6 percent in 2007. The decline was as a result of reduced production in the textiles and clothing manufacturing.

There was a 3.7 percent growth in the Wood and Wood Products sub-sector in 2007 compared to a growth of 1.3 percent in 2006. This was attributable to increase production of wood planks, panel doors, domestic furniture, school desks, etc. An increase in sawmilling also contributed to the increase.

The Chemicals, Rubber and Plastics sub-sector increased production by about 4.2 percent in 2007 compared to an increase of 8.5 percent in 2006. The growth was attributable to increase in production of detergents, shampoos, disinfectants, soaps and cosmetics.

Output for the Non-metallic Mineral Products sub-sector increased by 2.1 percent in 2007 compared to a decrease of 6.9 percent in 2006. The growth in the sub-sector was mainly due to increased production of cement, concrete articles and ceramics.

Output in the Fabricated Metal Products and Others manufacturing sub-sector experienced an increase of 6.3 percent in 2007 compared to a rise of 3.6 percent in 2006. This was attributed to the increase in production of fabricated metal products such as door frames, vent ductings, wheelbarrows, pipes, wire, crowns, general cans and drums.

Hydro generation increases marginallyElectricity generation index went up marginally by 0.6 percent in 2007 in comparison to an increase of 13.1 percent in 2006.

Actual electricity generation by the Main-hydropower stations that accounts for about 99 percent of the total production, increased by 0.6 percent from 9,611,531kwh in 2006 to 9,670,981kwh in 2007. In the same period, an increase of 2.9 percent in generation was registered by the mini-hydropower stations whereas diesel power production declined by 10.2 percent.