FQM BACKS ZAMBIA’S ENERGY AGENDA TO POWER 3 MILLION TONNES OF COPPER PRODUCTION
First Quantum Minerals (FQM) is investing in Zambia’s energy infrastructure to help the nation achieve its ambitious target of 3 million tonnes of annual copper production.
The company emphasised that expanding generation capacity and modernising transmission systems are essential not only for mining growth but also for powering Zambia’s broader economic development and supplying critical minerals for the global energy transition.
Speaking at the 2025 Energy Forum for Africa, FQM’s Infrastructure Lead for Zambia, Jed Goldstein, highlighted the company’s dual approach: securing reliable energy for its operations while driving strategic grid-strengthening initiatives across the country.
“We are actively addressing the power deficit by sourcing about 65 percent of our energy needs from the region at emergency rates. At the same time, we are advancing off-take agreements with new Independent Power Producer (IPP) projects, including a 430-megawatt solar and wind facility with TotalEnergies,” said Mr Goldstein.
He noted that modernising the grid is particularly urgent in Zambia’s North-Western Province, where FQM’s mines are located and where long-distance power transmission has historically caused operational instability.
“Most of Zambia’s domestic generation is located over 600 kilometers from the Copperbelt and the NorthWestern province, where demand is concentrated. This distance creates voltage fluctuations that affect mine operations and surrounding communities.
Working with ZESCO and Barrick on grid modernisation workstreams, FQM is installing advanced STATCOM equipment at key substations to stabilise power flows and enable greater integration of new renewable power generation.”
“Mining companies are catalysts for national development. Working with ZESCO to strengthen the grid and bring more renewable generation online, not only enables mine expansion but also improves reliability for households and businesses already connected. Zambia’s copper endowment can underpin both industrial growth and greater energy access across the country.” Mr Goldstein said.
At the same forum, Dr Pius Kasolo, Head of Strategy at Africa GreenCo, emphasised the role of renewable energy in accelerating Zambia’s production goals.
“Renewable energy projects can be deployed rapidly and de-risked through mechanisms like credit guarantees. For example, the 100-megawatt solar project developed with ZESCO secured nearly $100 million in funding,” Dr Kasolo said.
He noted, however, that reaching 3 million tonnes of copper annually will require energy generation to more than triple.
“Over 1.5 gigawatts of renewable energy projects are currently in the pipeline. Accelerating their delivery is critical if Zambia is to achieve its production and development goals,” he added.
FQM reiterated that collaboration between mining companies, energy producers, and government is essential to building a resilient and sustainable energy system that can power Zambia’s economic growth.-uiop[]87654
