Mining in Zambia - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

Barrick Launches $2 Billion Super Pit Expansion at Lumwana Mine in Zambia 1

The development of a Super Pit at Barrick’s Lumwana copper mine was officially launched on 3rd October 2024, by the Zambian President, His Excellency Hakainde Hichilema, accompanied by members of his cabinet. The feasibility study for the Super Pit Expansion is expected by the end of the year, paving the way for construction to start in 2025. Once completed, the $2 billion project1,4 unlocks the potential to transform Lumwana into a long-life, high-yielding, top 25 copper producer1 and a Tier One2 copper mine. The expansion involves first doubling throughput of the existing process… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Cobalt Copper New Mining Projects

Zambia’s New $30 Million Copper and Cobalt Mine Set to Open in Mufulira District

September 28, 2024September 28, 2024 Constance

A $30 million copper and cobalt mine is set to open in Mufulira District, located in Zambia’s Copperbelt Province. Chilibwe Mine, which will be positioned off the Ndola-Mufulira road, is expected to operate for a lifespan of 10 years. The mine covers an area of 20 hectares and aims to produce 2,000 metric tonnes of copper and cobalt each month. This initiative aligns with President Hakainde Hichilema’s goal to ramp up copper production to 3 million tonnes per annum by 2032. In a recent scoping meeting in Mufulira, the mine’s… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Gold

Mumbwa Identified as Key to Growing Zambia’s Gold Reserves as Kabeta Cracks Down on Smuggling

September 28, 2024September 28, 2024 Constance

Mines Permanent Secretary, Barnaby Kabeta, addressed hundreds of miners in Nangoma constituency, who were impacted by the closure of Lwili Mine due to safety concerns and illegal operations. The mine was shut down two weeks ago after the Zambian National Service was deployed to restore order following a rise in fatalities and other issues. In his address, Kabeta assured the affected miners that operations at Lwili Mine would resume soon. “The Nangoma mine area will reopen on Friday. We need to know who is entering the mine, as we currently… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Copper Mining safety

FQM Suspends Operations at Kansanshi Mine Following Fatal Accident

September 25, 2024September 25, 2024 Constance

First Quantum Minerals has temporarily halted operations in the area of a fatal accident at its Kansanshi copper mine in Zambia, the company announced on Monday. The accident, which occurred on Sunday, involved a tracked dozer and a light vehicle, resulting in the death of an employee. The Canadian mining company has launched an internal investigation and secured the accident site. “Operations in the affected area will only resume once it is deemed safe to do so,” First Quantum stated. The Kansanshi mine, which produced 134,827 tonnes of copper and… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Copper Corporate News New Mining Projects

Mopani Copper Mines Aims to Become Global Leader with New Vision and Strategy

September 23, 2024September 29, 2024 Constance

Mopani Copper Mines PLC has unveiled a bold new corporate vision, targeting to become a global leader in the copper production and mining value chain. The updated vision, “To become a world champion mine through BEST values,” replaces the previous goal of being a “world-class mining operation.” This shift reflects the company’s evolving strategic ambitions under the leadership of its new majority shareholders, International Resources Holding (IRH), who have set a target to increase copper production from the current 65,000 tonnes to 225,000 tonnes annually within the next four years.… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Governance Mining Policy

Zambian Govt and Mining Companies Seek Resolution Over Proposed Mineral Rights Legislation

September 22, 2024September 22, 2024 Constance

Zambian mining companies have engaged in discussions with the government to address concerns over a proposed legal amendment that could grant the state a larger share of the country’s mineral resources. The draft legislation, currently under consideration in Zambia’s parliament, would allow the government to “acquire mining rights for investment.” This would enable the state to purchase a stake in a mining area before an exploration license is issued and retain ownership after a discovery is made and the site is developed. The Zambia Chamber of Mines, whose members include… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Cobalt Copper New Mining Projects

$30 Million Copper and Cobalt Mine Set to Boost Production in Zambia’s Copperbelt

September 22, 2024September 22, 2024 Constance

A new $30 million copper and cobalt mine, Chilibwe Mine, is set to begin operations in Mufulira District, Copperbelt Province. The mine, located off the Ndola-Mufulira road, spans 20 hectares and is expected to produce 2,000 metric tonnes of copper and cobalt per month over its projected 10-year lifespan. This venture aligns with President Hakainde Hichilema’s vision to increase Zambia’s copper output to 3 million tonnes annually by 2032. At a recent scoping meeting in Mufulira, Chilibwe Mine’s management engaged key stakeholders to discuss the project’s potential environmental and social… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Gemstones

Gemfields Sells Only 61% of Emeralds at Latest Auction Amid Market Challenges

September 22, 2024September 22, 2024 Constance

Gemfields, listed on both the Johannesburg and London stock exchanges, sold only 61% of the emeralds offered at its latest auction, generating $10.8 million in total revenue. The average sales price was $4.47 per carat. The auction, held from August 27 to September 13, featured 46 lots, but only 28 were sold. Adrian Banks, Gemfields’ Managing Director of Product and Sales, attributed the weaker-than-expected results to several market pressures. “The luxury goods, diamond, and gemstone markets are facing significant headwinds due to conflicts, elections, economic uncertainty in China, and broader… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Copper Exploration New Mining Projects

Midnight Sun Mining Expands Copper Exploration Near Kansanshi Mine

September 21, 2024September 22, 2024 Constance

Canadian exploration company Midnight Sun Mining has launched a new exploration phase at the Kazhiba target on its Solwezi property in Zambia. This initiative is part of the company’s ongoing cooperative exploration agreement with First Quantum Minerals, aimed at identifying near-surface oxide copper resources to supply the nearby Kansanshi mine, located less than 10 km away. The exploration program involves 3,000 meters of reverse circulation drilling, partial ionic leach sampling, and an induced polarization survey, all designed to evaluate the high-grade oxide copper blanket at Kazhiba. Midnight Sun President and… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Copper Gold

Zambia’s Chamber of Mines Warns of Investor Risks Amid Proposed Mining Reforms

September 19, 2024September 19, 2024 Constance

Zambia’s Chamber of Mines has raised concerns over proposed legislative and policy reforms, calling them “an unprecedented threat” to investors’ rights and warning that they could hinder the country’s goal to significantly boost copper production. The Chamber, which includes major industry players like First Quantum Minerals Ltd. and Barrick Gold Corp., opposes a draft law that would increase state control over certain minerals. It argues that these measures will undermine investor confidence and discourage future investment. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Chamber criticized President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration for… Read More Here