Copper - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

FQM Injects $2.6 Billion into Zambia’s Economy in 2024

June 8, 2025June 8, 2025 Constance

First Quantum Minerals (FQM) contributed over $2.6 billion to Zambia’s economy in 2024 through its operations at the Trident and Kansanshi mines in North-Western Province, according to the company’s latest Global Tax Transparency and Economic Contributions Report. The report reveals that FQM paid $650 million in taxes, spent $1.75 billion on local procurement, disbursed $236 million in wages to local employees, and invested $13 million in community development initiatives. In terms of output, the two mines produced 402,000 tonnes of copper and 19,000 tonnes of nickel last year. FQM continues… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Copper Economy

Zambia’s Refined Copper Exports Rise 17.6% in Q1 as Output Expansion Accelerates

June 8, 2025June 8, 2025 Constance

Zambia’s refined copper exports reached 283,500 tonnes in the first quarter of 2025, marking a 17.6% increase compared to 241,000 tonnes during the same period last year, according to newly released data. The positive trend is reflected in monthly growth figures, with exports rising from 71,200 tonnes in March 2025 to 72,300 tonnes in April—an increase of 1.6%. This steady growth supports the Zambian government’s ambitious target of producing 3 million tonnes of copper annually by 2031. The objective is part of a broader strategy to maximize the economic benefits… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Cobalt Copper

DRC Advances Toward Local Mineral Refining with First Copper and Cobalt Refinery Project

June 8, 2025June 8, 2025 Constance

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is preparing to halt the export of raw minerals, marking a significant step toward reducing its reliance on foreign processing and strengthening its industrial base. This development aligns with the government’s broader strategy for national economic growth and resource sovereignty. This initiative was highlighted during a meeting held on Thursday, June 5, 2025, between Minister of Foreign Trade Julien Paluku and Eddy Kioni, Director of Buenassa, a 100% Congolese-owned company spearheading the country’s first copper and cobalt refinery project. Minister Paluku commended the progress… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Copper Corporate News New Mining Projects

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

June 7, 2025June 10, 2025 Constance

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