Mining in Zambia - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

Zambia and DRC to Clear 500 Trucks Daily to Ease Kasumbalesa Border Congestion 1

Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have agreed to allow the clearance of at least 500 trucks per day to address the congestion at the Kasumbalesa border on the Copperbelt. This decision comes in response to the over 3,000 trucks marooned on the Zambian side of the border. Katanga Governor Jacques Katwe announced that another measure to alleviate the situation is extending the working hours for customs officers, from six hours to 20 hours, at the Kasumbalesa, Mokambo, and Sakanya border posts. Speaking at a meeting in Chililabombwe,… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Copper

Zambia’s Northwestern Mining Boom Creates 30,000 Jobs and Boosts Copper Outlook

January 12, 2025January 12, 2025 Constance

The mining sector in Northwestern Province generated an additional 30,000 jobs last year, driven by major projects like the $2 billion expansion at Barrick’s Lumwana superpit. Minister of Northwestern Province, Robert Lihefu, highlighted the impressive growth of the sector in the region, noting that three major projects—Barrick’s Lumwana mine, Kansenseli Gold Mine, and the Kalengwa Mine, which was reopened by President Hakainde Hichilema in November after 46 years of closure—accounted for approximately 27,000 jobs. The remaining 3,000 jobs were created by smaller mining operations within the province. Looking ahead, the… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Copper Economy

Zambia Poised to Achieve 1 Million Tonnes of Copper Output by Late 2025

January 12, 2025January 12, 2025 Constance

Copper production in Zambia is forecasted to reach one million tonnes annually by the close of 2025, according to the Ministry of Mines. Permanent Secretary Hapenga Kabeta attributes this growth to increasing production levels at key mining operations, including Barrick Lumwana, Trident in Kalumbila, and Kansanshi Mines. This achievement represents significant progress toward President Hakainde Hichilema’s ambitious target of three million tonnes annually by 2030. Copper production has been steadily climbing since 2022, shortly after President Hichilema assumed office. In a notable turnaround, operations resumed at Mopani Mines and Konkola… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Copper New Mining Projects

Zambia’s Nationwide Geological Mapping Survey Progresses

January 9, 2025January 12, 2025 Constance

On August 14, President Hakainde Hichilema launched Zambia’s first-ever high-resolution geological mapping survey to identify areas with untapped mineral deposits. This ambitious initiative is part of the government’s strategy to boost mineral exploration and achieve the goal of producing three million tons of copper annually by 2031. The survey, which employs advanced aerial geophysical technology, has already covered significant portions of the Western and North-Western provinces. Mines Permanent Secretary Hapenga Kabeta revealed that the survey divides the country into four zones, with Zone A focusing on these two regions. “Areas… Read More Here

Copper Mining in Zambia

KCM Boosts Production and Employment, Enhances Social Responsibility Under Vedanta

January 9, 2025January 9, 2025 Constance

Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) Plc has increased production by 8,000 metric tons over the past five months, a move that will help protect 12,500 jobs, according to KCM Board Chairman Dr. Moses Banda. In an interview, Dr. Banda highlighted significant achievements since Vedanta Resources took over the management of KCM. He welcomed the 20% salary increase and once-off bonus provided to employees. “In addition to supporting our workforce, we have also made substantial payments to our creditors. Vedanta paid $250 million to creditors, with all Scheme Class 1 creditors fully… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Energy

China to Build Solar Power Plant in Zambia’s Kasempa District

January 8, 2025January 8, 2025 Constance

The Chinese government has announced plans to construct a solar power plant in Kasempa District, North-Western Province, Zambia, this year. The project aims to supply electricity to Chinese-owned mines in the area, reducing the impact of load management challenges on mining operations. Chinese Deputy Ambassador to Zambia, Wang Sheng, emphasized his country’s interest in exploring investment opportunities in North-Western Province, particularly in the mining, energy, and agriculture sectors. Speaking during a meeting with North-Western Province Minister Robert Lihefu, Mr. Sheng highlighted plans to establish not only the solar power plant… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Economy Emeralds

Zambia re-introduces 15% export duty on emeralds

January 8, 2025January 8, 2025 Constance

Gemfields has become aware that a new statutory instrument in Zambia dated 30 December 2024 and which came into effect on 1 January 2025 (S.I. No. 88 of 2024, the Customs and Excise (Precious Stones) (Export Duty) (Suspension) (Revocation) Order, 2024) has revoked the 2019 suspension of a 15% export duty on precious gemstones. This directly impacts the Zambian emeralds mined by Kagem Mining Limited (“Kagem”) which is 75% owned by Gemfields and 25% owned by the Zambian Government’s Industrial Development Corporation. This 15% export duty now applies on top… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Copper New Mining Projects

Lumwana’s Super Pit Expansion Officially Launched

January 8, 2025January 8, 2025 Constance

The development of a Super Pit at Barrick’s Lumwana copper mine was officially launched in October 2024 by the Zambian President, His Excellency Hakainde Hichilema, accompanied by members of his cabinet. Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony also attended by the Barrick board of directors, Mark Bristow said a critical element of the Super Pit Expansion was its focus on creating a sustainable legacy through the development of local capacity within the region, which would benefit both local communities and businesses throughout the construction and operational phases. The expansion will need… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia New Mining Projects

ZEMA Approves $10 Billion Worth of Projects in 2024, Mining Leads the Way

January 4, 2025January 4, 2025 Constance

The Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) has approved 1,325 projects in 2024, with a total investment value of $10 billion, marking a significant rise from the 1,129 projects worth $7 billion approved in 2023. In a statement issued on Friday, ZEMA Board Chairperson, Professor Lovejoy Malambo, revealed that mining projects led the approvals, accounting for 678 projects or 51% of the total. “The Environmental Assessment Committee of ZEMA’s 5th Board of Directors approved 108 development projects during its 27th ordinary meeting held on December 27, 2024,” Malambo said. The manufacturing… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Economy

Zambia Among Africa’s Top 10 Fastest-Growing Economies for 2025

January 3, 2025January 3, 2025 Constance

Zambia has been ranked among the top 10 African countries expected to experience significant Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth in 2025, according to the latest World Economic Outlook report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The IMF projects a 6.6% GDP growth for Zambia, placing it sixth on the continent. This growth is anticipated to stem from the easing of adverse weather effects and supply chain constraints. The Economics Association of Zambia (EAZ) has endorsed the IMF’s projection, describing it as realistic due to the government’s implementation of long-term economic… Read More Here