Copper - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

Kansanshi S3 Launch Set for August as FQM Nears Completion of the $1.25 Billion Expansion 1

First Quantum Minerals (FQM) has reached a significant milestone in the development of its US$1.25 billion Kansanshi S3 Expansion Project in Solwezi, North-Western Province. Now 92% complete, the massive upgrade is on track for commissioning by August this year—marking a major milestone for one of Zambia’s most significant copper operations. August 2025 will mark three years since FQM announced its bold commitment to expand the Kansanshi Mining operations—already among Zambia’s largest copper producers. At the same time, the company pledged an additional US$100 million toward bringing the Enterprise Nickel Project… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Copper Equipment & Technology

ABB, Hitachi, Komatsu, and Sumitomo Power Up Zambia’s First Electric Mining Fleet

June 4, 2025June 4, 2025 Constance

As global demand for battery minerals continues to surge, technology leaders ABB, Hitachi, Komatsu, and Sumitomo are joining forces to decarbonize mining operations through a cutting-edge electrification strategy that has already reduced emissions across several Japanese sites. The partnership between Hitachi Construction Machinery and ABB Traction reached a major milestone last year with the completion of a prototype for a fully electric, 240-ton haul truck designed for heavy-duty mining. Since then, Komatsu and Sumitomo have joined the effort. These new electric haul trucks are now operating at First Quantum Minerals’… Read More Here

International Copper Technology & Innovation

Chilean Startup Ceibo Delivers First Copper Cathodes Using Innovative Leaching Technology

June 4, 2025June 4, 2025 Constance

A Chilean startup backed by BHP Group has produced its first copper cathodes from a demonstration plant at a mine site in northern Chile, marking a key milestone in efforts to extract more metal from lower-grade ores. Ceibo extracted the copper from sulfide ores at a site owned by Compañía Minera San Gerónimo (CMSG), using its proprietary leaching technology, the companies announced in a joint statement on Tuesday. Ceibo joins a growing list of companies—including Jetti Resources and Rio Tinto’s Nuton venture—developing advanced leaching techniques to economically recover copper from… Read More Here

International Copper

Peru Projects $4.8 Billion in Mining Investment for 2025 Amid Rising Informal Mining Concerns

June 4, 2025June 4, 2025 Constance

Peru’s Minister of Energy and Mines, Jorge Montero, announced on Tuesday that the country expects to attract $4.8 billion in mining investment this year, with copper production projected to reach 2.8 million metric tons. The projection marks a slight increase from 2024, when Peru produced approximately 2.7 million tons of the red metal. Speaking at a press conference, Montero also raised concerns about the growing presence of informal and illegal mining in two key copper-producing regions—Apurímac and Arequipa, both located in southern Peru. Apurímac is home to Las Bambas, one… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Copper

Kamoa-Kakula Management are Advancing Works to Reopen the Western Side of Kakula Mine

June 3, 2025June 3, 2025 Constance

Ivanhoe Mines to provide next week plans for reopening the western side and restart of the eastern side of Kakula Mine Ivanhoe Mines announced yesterday that following the temporary suspension of underground operations at the Kakula Mine announced on May 20, 2025, senior management continues to work alongside world-leading engineering experts to safely and conservatively restart mining operations. Kamoa Copper’s engineering teams are currently updating the short-, medium-, and long-term plans to resume operations on both the western and eastern sides of the Kakula Mine. Subject to dewatering progress, underground… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Copper Mining in Zambia

North Western Corridor Set to Transform Copper Exports from DRC to Namibia

May 31, 2025May 31, 2025 Constance

The Walvis Bay Corridor Group (WBCG) is advancing plans to establish a transformative trade route connecting Kolwezi in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to Walvis Bay in Namibia. Dubbed the “North-Western Corridor,” this strategic initiative aims to offer a faster, shorter, and more efficient logistics alternative to the region’s current, overburdened routes. At present, mineral exports from the DRC and Zambia travel through the congested Copperbelt and the heavily used Kasumbalesa border post, causing frequent delays and increased transportation costs. The new corridor is designed to bypass these bottlenecks,… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Copper Corporate News

Uncertainty Deepens at Kamoa-Kakula After Seismic Flooding Disrupts Key Copper Mine

May 31, 2025May 31, 2025 Constance

More than a week after seismic activity triggered severe flooding underground, the status of one of the world’s most significant copper mines—Kamoa-Kakula in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)—remains unclear, casting uncertainty over global copper supply. The mine, operated by Canada’s Ivanhoe Mines and co-owned by China’s Zijin Mining and CITIC Metal, had been on track to become the world’s third-largest copper producer this year. However, recent flooding and infrastructure damage have jeopardized those plans. Conflicting reports from Ivanhoe and its Chinese partners have only added to the confusion. Ivanhoe… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Copper New Mining Projects

President Hichilema Reopens Lubambe Mine Under Chinese Ownership

May 31, 2025May 31, 2025 Constance

CHILILABOMBWE, ZAMBIA – President Hakainde Hichilema has officially re-launched operations at Lubambe Copper Mine Limited in Chililabombwe, under the new ownership of Chinese firm JCHX Mining Limited, marking a new chapter in Zambia’s mining revival and strategic partnership with China. Speaking during a ceremony held at the mine, President Hichilema highlighted the tangible benefits emerging from Zambia’s strengthened cooperation with China, citing ongoing developments such as the 28 Shaft project in Luanshya, the revitalization of Mulungushi Textiles in Kabwe, and the significant investment in sinking two new shafts at Lubambe.… Read More Here

Copper Corporate News International Mining safety

Cobre Panama Mine to Remain Shut as Govt Backs Safety Plan Only

May 31, 2025May 31, 2025 Constance

PANAMA CITY – The Panamanian government has approved a maintenance and environmental management plan for First Quantum Minerals’ shuttered Cobre Panama copper mine, but emphasized that the mine will not be reopened at this time, Trade and Industry Minister Julio Molto announced on Friday. Molto clarified that the approved plan focuses solely on care and environmental safety measures required following the mine’s abrupt closure by government order in late 2023, under the previous administration. “The mine is not being reopened. We’re authorizing the implementation of a care and safe management… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Battery Metals Cobalt Copper New Mining Projects

New US-Zambia Copper-Cobalt Venture Launched with $100M Investment

May 30, 2025May 30, 2025 Constance

US-based critical minerals developer Terra Metals and resource investment firm Metalex Commodities have finalized an agreement to establish Lunda Resources, a new copper and cobalt production venture in Zambia that both companies describe as a potential “powerhouse” in the global critical minerals market. A formal signing ceremony is set to take place at the US Embassy in Lusaka, underscoring the initiative’s alignment with US government priorities on securing critical mineral supply chains. In a statement released Wednesday, Terra Metals said the agreement represents a significant diplomatic and commercial milestone for… Read More Here