Kansanshi Mine to Double Processing Capacity with New S3 Plant Expansion
Zambia’s Kansanshi Mine to Boost Ore Processing to 53 Million Tons Annually with S3 Plant
KANSANSHI Mine Plc is set to double its ore processing capacity from the current 27–28 million tons to approximately 53 million tons annually, following the completion of its S3 plant expansion.
Operations Superintendent Patricia Mankubwa said the upgrade will enable the facility to process an additional 25 million tons of ore per year, describing the development as a milestone for the future of mining and Kansanshi’s long-term operations.
The project includes four major expansions, notably in the mining area where a new pit, the South-East Dorm, will be developed alongside the existing North-West and Main pits.
“These three pits will support Kansanshi’s life-of-mine operations,” Mankubwa explained.
Mankubwa also noted that Kansanshi Mine has created about 900 permanent jobs across various departments as part of the expansion, reinforcing its role as a major employer in Zambia’s mining sector.
Official Commissioning
The S3 plant was officially commissioned on August 19, 2025, by President Hakainde Hichilema, marking a historic step in Zambia’s mining sector and reinforcing Kansanshi’s position as a cornerstone of the country’s copper production.
