Jubilee Updates Molefe Mine Plan to Boost Copper Production and Efficiency in Zambia
Jubilee Optimizes Molefe Mine Plan to Deliver Stable Copper Output and Accelerate Growth in Zambia
Zambia-focused integrated copper producer and resource developer Jubilee has announced an updated near-term mine plan at its Molefe mine, following encouraging results from the Phase 1 drilling and trenching programme.
“This marks another important milestone in Jubilee’s transition toward becoming a resource-backed copper producer.
The implementation of a structured mine plan at Molefe provides a clear pathway to sustainable and scalable production,” said Jubilee CEO Leon Coetzer.
Operations at Molefe continue to perform well and expand, while resource development remains a priority.
The updated mine plan reflects a disciplined approach, balancing near-term production with long-term value creation.
Recent drilling results have supported the integration of pits 2 and 3 into a single, larger open-pit operation.
This consolidation allows for an accelerated stripping and pushback programme, improving mining efficiencies and providing better access to the targeted copper reef.
The initial phase of the mine plan focuses on establishing a stable production profile, aiming to deliver over 15,000 tonnes of ore per month to the Sable refinery at a consistent grade and sustainable unit cost per tonne.
The plan has been optimized to target a broader reef package, enabling extraction of increased copper volumes from both high- and medium-grade material.
Automated ore sorting will be introduced on site to efficiently classify mined material. High-grade ore will be transported directly to the Sable refinery for immediate processing, while medium-grade ore will be treated on site using an acid curing process to enhance copper recovery.
The next phase of development, starting with Phase 2 drilling, will focus on the eastern extension of the resource, aiming to advance the area into construction and production within the next 12 months.
This phased approach is designed to expand the resource base, extend mineralisation along strike, and increase overall mine life.
“The integration of pits 2 and 3, combined with an accelerated stripping programme, positions Molefe to deliver a stable and consistent feed to the Sable Refinery. Prioritizing high-grade material while upgrading medium-grade ore on site accelerates cash generation and maximizes value from the resource,” added Coetzer.
With these improvements, Jubilee positions Molefe as a reliable and scalable source of copper feed for its Zambian processing operations, strengthening its long-term growth and production outlook.
