Jubilee Metals Resumes Roan Operations, Advances Copper Recovery and Processing Upgrades in Zambia
Jubilee Metals Restarts Roan Operations After Maintenance Shutdown as Zambia Copper Output Targets 30,000t Monthly Throughput
Jubilee Metals has successfully completed the annual maintenance shutdown at its Roan concentrator operations in Ndola, Zambia, with the plant now restarted at full capacity and targeting a run-of-mine throughput of 30,000 tonnes per month.
According to Jubilee CEO Leon Coetzer, June performance will provide a clearer indication of sustainable operating capacity and recovery efficiencies, particularly with the integration of fine copper concentrate now being processed at the company’s Sable refinery in Kabwe.
He noted that monthly fine concentrate production includes approximately 140 tonnes of copper previously stockpiled at Roan, which is now being progressively reprocessed.
Operational Improvements and Capacity Expansion
The company is assessing additional optimisation measures, including the potential activation of the front-end dense medium separation (DMS) circuit in June, which could further increase throughput at Roan.
The newly commissioned fine copper concentrate dewatering facility has successfully completed commissioning, with performance calibration currently underway to achieve stable continuous operation.
Jubilee also used the planned shutdown period to implement key operational upgrades aimed at offsetting rising input costs, particularly higher global fuel and acid prices.
Efficiency Gains Amid Rising Costs
Key improvements include the expansion of the copper oxide recovery circuit, designed to improve copper recovery efficiency by an estimated 5%.
This enhancement partially mitigates the impact of a near 80% increase in local fuel costs, which significantly affect ore transport to Roan and concentrate movement to the Sable refinery.
Acid consumption and transport expenses account for approximately 20% and 16% of monthly operating costs, respectively, highlighting the importance of efficiency gains in maintaining margins.
Maintenance and Process Upgrades
During the shutdown, maintenance focused on the run-of-mine feed circuit, internal pumping systems within flotation units, and final modifications to the new fine concentrate dewatering system.
The fine concentrate stream represents roughly 25% of total contained copper in the RoM feed to Roan. The new dewatering system has already demonstrated the ability to operate above current production levels, indicating sufficient capacity for future expansion.
Further optimisation work is ongoing to stabilise operations under varying feed density conditions. The company also holds significant stockpiles of naturally dried fine concentrate, which can be transported to Sable to mitigate any short-term disruptions in fresh production.
Coetzer described the commissioning and ramp-up of the dewatering circuit as a key milestone in Jubilee Metals’ broader Zambia copper strategy.
He said the ability to process both newly generated and historical fine concentrate material enhances operational flexibility and strengthens the company’s integrated processing model.
“This development marks an important step in expanding our Zambia copper operations,” he said. “It improves our ability to manage feed variability while supporting the continued scaling of our copper production strategy.”
