Euro Africa restarts operations at the Kalengwa Copper Mines, Worth $135m
The Chairperson of Mufumbwe District Council, Lemmy Namukuka, has confirmed that Euro Africa Kalengwa Mines Limited has begun construction of a processing plant at the Kalengwa copper mine site, following the granting of a mining license.
The license had been the subject of a legal dispute between Kalengwa Processing Zone Limited and Euro Africa Kalengwa Mines Limited, with the latter emerging as the eventual license holder.
The mine is expected to produce 15,000 tons of copper annually, potentially adding $135 million to Zambia’s forex earnings if proceeds are banked locally.
The mine site reportedly has some of Zambia’s highest copper content ore, with annual production potentially doubling with the deployment of the right technology and expertise. It is not clear whether there will be further legal challenges to the development of the mine.
According to media reports, Kalengwa Processing Zone Limited had previously applied to the mining licensing committee for a judicial review of the decision to terminate its exploration license and reinstate Euro Africa Kalengwa Mine Limited’s license. However, the Chairperson did not provide details about this.
He stated that he had been informed by the Country Managing Director of Euro Africa Kalengwa Limited that the company was close to completing the environmental impact assessment report required by the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA).
Construction of the processing plant is expected to be finished within three months, after which production will begin. The Chairperson anticipates an increase in business activities, with the influx of people to the mine leading to more job opportunities and the opening of new businesses.
The council also expects to benefit from an increase in property tax and land rates, which will help fund environmental and socioeconomic activities.
The Kalengwa mine is located in Zambia’s northwestern province, approximately 800 km northwest of Lusaka and 400 km southwest of Kitwe. It is believed to have been one of the highest-grade copper mines in Zambia.
