FQM’s Kansanshi Expansion Boosts Zambia’s Copper Ambitions as Ore Throughput Tops 27 Million Tonnes
FQM’s Kansanshi Mine Set to Process 27 Million Tonnes of Ore in 2026 as S3 Expansion Strengthens Zambia’s Copper Growth Strategy
First Quantum Minerals’ (FQM) Kansanshi Mine is expected to process approximately 27 million tonnes of ore in 2026, exceeding its annual design throughput capacity of 25 million tonnes following the successful ramp-up of its US$1.2 billion S3 Expansion Project.
The achievement represents a significant milestone for both Kansanshi and Zambia’s mining industry, demonstrating the impact of one of the country’s largest recent mining investments at a time when the government is pursuing an ambitious strategy to increase national copper production to three million tonnes per year.
Located near Solwezi in Zambia’s North-Western Province, Kansanshi is Africa’s largest integrated copper and gold mining operation and one of the country’s most strategically important mining assets.
The mine, owned by First Quantum Minerals (80%) and ZCCM Investments Holdings (20%), has long served as a cornerstone of Zambia’s copper industry, contributing substantially to export earnings, employment and regional economic development.
The increased processing capacity comes less than a year after the S3 plant was officially commissioned, underscoring the speed at which the operation has been integrated into Kansanshi’s broader mining and processing activities.
According to Kansanshi Corporate Affairs Manager Ryan Ellis, the plant has continued to exceed expectations since reaching commercial production on December 31, 2025.
“The plant was officially commissioned in August 2025 and has recorded improvements in availability, utilisation and milling performance during its first year of operation,” Ellis said.
“Throughput remained above design capacity during the second quarter of 2026, with May recording the highest monthly processed tonnage since commissioning.”
The S3 Expansion was developed to fundamentally transform the way Kansanshi processes sulphide ore resources.
At the centre of the investment is a new sulphide processing circuit capable of treating 25 million tonnes of ore annually, significantly increasing the mine’s overall processing capacity and enabling it to economically recover copper from lower-grade ore bodies.
Historically, lower-grade sulphide ores and stockpiled material often presented economic challenges due to processing limitations and recovery costs.
The new plant changes that equation by allowing Kansanshi to unlock value from resources that may previously have remained underutilised.
Industry analysts have increasingly highlighted the importance of such projects as mining companies worldwide seek to maximise resource recovery and extend mine life without relying solely on major new discoveries. By improving the economics of lower-grade resources, operators can continue generating value while optimising existing assets.
For Kansanshi, the benefits extend well beyond increased throughput.
The S3 project is expected to support future production from areas such as the Southeast Dome while extending the mine’s productive life into the 2040s and potentially beyond. Longer mine life provides greater certainty for workers, contractors, suppliers and surrounding communities that depend on mining activity for economic opportunities.
The expansion is also expected to enhance the overall efficiency of Kansanshi’s operations.
Ellis noted that metallurgical performance continues to improve as teams optimise plant operations and gain experience processing various ore blends.
Copper concentrate produced through the S3 circuit has been successfully integrated into Kansanshi’s primary concentrate stream while consistently meeting required smelter specifications.
The development comes at a pivotal moment for both Zambia and the global copper industry.
Growing demand for copper is being driven by accelerating investment in power infrastructure, renewable energy systems, battery storage technologies and electric vehicles.
As countries around the world pursue decarbonisation and electrification strategies, copper has emerged as one of the most sought-after metals due to its critical role in energy transmission and industrial manufacturing.
Against this backdrop, major copper-producing countries are racing to expand output and attract fresh investment into new and existing mining operations.
For Zambia, Kansanshi’s expansion aligns closely with government efforts to re-establish the country as one of the world’s leading copper producers.
National copper output currently stands at around 890,000 tonnes annually, and authorities have consistently identified large-scale expansion projects as essential to achieving the country’s long-term production targets.
The S3 Expansion is also a key component of First Quantum Minerals’ broader strategy to maximise the value of its Zambian assets.
Alongside ongoing investments at Kansanshi and Sentinel, the company continues to position Zambia as a core growth jurisdiction within its global portfolio.
Beyond production gains, the project has delivered substantial economic benefits through employment creation and local procurement opportunities.
Construction activities employed approximately 2,500 workers at peak development, while commissioning and expanded operations have resulted in the creation of around 750 permanent operational positions.
The project has also provided opportunities for local contractors and suppliers involved in construction, maintenance and operational support services.
The investment signals continued confidence in Zambia’s mining sector and demonstrates how brownfield expansions can generate significant production growth while leveraging existing infrastructure.
With throughput now consistently exceeding design capacity and operational efficiencies continuing to improve, the S3 Expansion is emerging as one of Zambia’s most important recent mining developments.
For First Quantum, it strengthens the long-term outlook for Kansanshi. For Zambia, it provides further momentum toward the country’s copper production ambitions and reinforces its position as a leading destination for large-scale mining investment in Africa.
Picture Credit: FQM Zambia
