President Hichilema Inaugurates $1.25 Billion Kansanshi Mine Expansion, Securing Zambia’s Copper Growth
Zambia Secures $1.25 Billion Mining Boost as President Hichilema Commissions Kansanshi S3 Expansion
President Hakainde Hichilema officially commissioned the $1.25 billion Kansanshi S3 Expansion by First Quantum Minerals (FQM), a landmark investment set to transform Zambia’s mining sector, extend the life of Africa’s largest copper mine, and power economic growth for decades to come this week.
The S3 Expansion will prolong the operation of Kansanshi Mine into the 2040s while significantly boosting copper output.
The project features the opening of a new mining pit known as the South East Dome, the construction of a state-of-the-art processing plant, and a $115 million upgrade to the Kansanshi smelter, reinforcing Zambia’s ability to process minerals locally and capture greater value from its resources.
Once fully operational, Kansanshi’s ore processing capacity will almost double—from 28 million tonnes annually to around 53 million tonnes.
This expansion will offset declining ore grades and sustain Zambia’s copper production for the next 20 years.
The project created 1,800 jobs during construction and will generate an estimated 800 permanent positions.
Beyond direct employment, the development engaged more than 430 Zambian-owned companies, highlighting its far-reaching impact on local businesses and supply chains.
At the commissioning ceremony, President Hichilema described the investment as a powerful vote of confidence in Zambia’s economic stability and potential:
“Nobody invests $1.25 billion in a country where there is no trust or confidence,” he said, reaffirming his government’s commitment to a stable, investor-friendly environment.
The President also stressed that the project aligns with Zambia’s national growth agenda and its ambitious target to triple annual copper production to 3 million tonnes, positioning the nation as a top global copper supplier.
FQM CEO Tristan Pascal underscored the company’s long-standing partnership with Zambia, calling the expansion a reflection of its belief in the country’s future:
“This project reflects our confidence in Zambia’s leadership, policies, and, most importantly, the talent of its people.”
With the S3 Expansion, FQM expects copper production from its Zambian operations to rise to between 450,000 and 500,000 tonnes annually.
The new processing plant, designed to handle 25 million tonnes of ore per year, incorporates cutting-edge technology and sustainability features.
Beyond production, Pascal highlighted FQM’s dedication to skills development, education, and community support.
At the peak of construction, more than 2,500 Zambians gained valuable training, equipping them with expertise that extends far beyond mining.
And mines and Minerals Development Minister Paul Kabuswe hailed the S3 Expansion as a cornerstone of Zambia’s economic revitalization.
He credited government policy reforms with unlocking stalled investments and contrasted today’s projected 6% economic growth in 2025 with the negative growth rates recorded in 2021.
“This project is not just about copper—it symbolizes Zambia’s economic turnaround,” Kabuswe said.
